http://usnamemorialhall.org/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=LeslieBP&feedformat=atomUSNA Virtual Memorial Hall - User contributions [en]2024-03-29T09:42:23ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.36.1http://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=KENNETH_D._NORTON,_LTJG,_USN&diff=187796KENNETH D. NORTON, LTJG, USN2024-02-11T18:35:25Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */ HS and address in previous edit; this was to add groomsman Werner info</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=August 19, 1944|DoD=October 7, 1969|Age=25|name_class=Kenneth Norton '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Norton LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=KENNETH DEAN NORTON<br />
|LBHometown=Lady Lake, Florida<br />
|LBText=After spending an 18-year blue and gold childhood, "Norts" decided to continue in the line of his predecessors and sign his life away to Navy. After a year at Columbian Prep, Ken took plebe year in stride and devoted his first summer leave to airborne training. "Norts" was always in the midst of the Navy sports program by participating in Battalion boxing and gymnastics. Being an individualist, his interests range anywhere from sports cars to parachuting and he pursues them all with equal interest. Ken never lacked for hard work, desire and determination, and he will become a welcome addition to the Naval Service. <br />
|LBOther=He was also a member of the 9th Company staff (winter and spring).}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Kenneth was killed in action October 7, 1969 when the boat (PCF 61) for which he was officer-in-charge was ambushed on the Troung Yang, South Vietnam.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From the December 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt(jg) Norton was born in Hutchinson, Kan., and attended Columbian Preparatory School before he entered the Naval Academy. A member of the Ninth Company at the Academy, he was graduated in June 1967 and reported to the <span class='smallcaps'>USS Brownson</span>. Stationed in Vietnam, Lt.(jg) Norton was attached to Coastal Division 12 at the time of his death.<br />
<br />
Survivors include his parents, Cdr. Leroy G. Norton, USN (Ret.), and Mrs. Norton of Lady Lake, Fl.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
While a High School student at Rancocas Valley H.S., Mt. Holly, NJ, Kenneth was named a [https://www.newspapers.com/image/40748530/?terms=%22Kenneth%20D.%20Norton%22%20&match=2 National Merit Scholar semi-finalist] and [https://www.newspapers.com/image/180766027/?terms=%22Kenneth%20Norton%22%20&match=1 won 1st prize] in Chemistry at the Rancocas Valley Regional HS Science Fair.<br />
<br />
[[MAX_A._WERNER,_III|Max Werner]] and Kenneth were groomsman together at the [https://www.newspapers.com/image/601309262/?terms=%22Kenneth%20Norton%22%20Annapolis&match=1 wedding of classmate] Ens. James Hunter Aldrich, Jr. and Virginia L. Griffith just after graduation from USNA.<br />
<br />
From [http://swiftboatsailorsmemorial.com/exhibits/show/50sbskia/sbskia1969/kennethnorton Swift Boat Sailors Memorial]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
On the afternoon of 7 October, while on normal Sea Tiger patrol, PCF's 61 and 69 were destroying fishing wiers on the Truong Giang River about 17 miles southeast of Danang (BT 188 487) when they received heavy semi-automatic (S/A) weapons fire. The "Swift" boats withdrew to the northwest and saturated the area with 81mm mortars and then made a .50 caliber strafing run on the enemy positions. After rearming both units proceeded north to exit the Truong Giang River when they received heavy automatic weapons, semi-automatic and 57mm recoilless rifle fire from bunker positions. In the general hail of fire, the helmsmen, Officer-in-Charge of PCF 61, LTJG Kenneth Dean NORTON, USN, 717895/1100, was killed and PCF 61 ran hard aground while traveling at full speed. At the same time, both "Swift" boats received 57mm R/R rounds close aboard resulting in minor damage to PCF 69 and punctured the port fuel tank of PCF 61 causing minor flooding. Both units suppressed the enemy fire. PCF 101, helo gunships and a "dustoff" helo arrived on the scene at 1310H. The helo gunships saturated the area with rocket and mini gun fire while LTJG NORTON was MEDEVACED. PCF's 69 and 101 pulled PCF 61 free at 1600H and proceeded without further incident to Coastal Group 14 headquarters, with the helo gunships providing cover. There were 20 structures destroyed in the operation. One U.S. sailor received a minor wound, was treated, and returned to duty. Enemy casualties are unknown.<br />
<cite>US Naval Forces Vietnam Monthly Summary for Oct 1969</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
[https://www.newspapers.com/image/237268345/?terms=%22Kenneth%20Dean%20Norton%22%20&match=1 Memorial services] were held at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station Chapel with burial at sea. He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182446302 has a memorial] on his family's farm in Alabama.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Norton 1.jpg|link=http://www.virtualwall.org/dn/NortonKD01a.htm<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Eulogy (Delivered by Tim Hoffmann, 9th Company’s 40th Reunion Memorial Service, 21 October 2007)<br />
<br />
LTJG Kenneth Dean Norton, USN 19 August 1944 – 07 October 1969<br />
<br />
If you ever needed a friend; you could count on him. He was always there, with a grin that could light up a room. Kenneth “Norts” Norton was born in Hutchinson, Kansas, but called the Navy “home.” Navy through and through, Ken knew what he wanted and concentrated all of his efforts on becoming a Surface Warfare officer. He earned a Presidential appointment and spent a year at Columbian Preparatory, before raising his right hand on “I Day” and being sworn in as a member of the Class of 1967.<br />
<br />
Ken’s whole life to that point had been spent in preparation for the rigors of the Naval Academy. His year at Columbian Prep served him well and for the most part, Ken was able to take plebe year in stride. Extremely diligent, Ken found some of the calculus and chemistry courses especially challenging, but his determination and hard work paid off and he passed them with flying colors. While academics might have been difficult for Ken, when it came to friendship and generosity he was truly gifted. Leroy Farr, who roomed with Kenny, Plebe year, came from a very small, very rural town in Kansas. Before going to the Naval Academy he had never even been east of the Mississippi. Ken made a point of frequently inviting Leroy to his parent’s home in New Jersey where CDR Norton was stationed. Kenny and his family opened their hearts and their home to Leroy and by doing so, became a second family to him that first year.<br />
<br />
Remembered as an easy guy to get along with, popular and always smiling, Ken’s interests ranged from parachuting to sports cars. One Sunday afternoon of First-Class year, Kenny drove Joel Heaton out to Laurel, Maryland, to pick up his brand new, illegal, Austin-Healy. Heading back to Annapolis with Joel in the lead, as they entered the beltway the driver ahead of Joel started to merge; then stopped. Joel, looking back to see when he could enter the highway, accelerated and rear ended the car ahead of him. The driver of the car Joel hit was an active duty Marine Corps Colonel! By the time they exchanged insurance information, it was getting late and the evening meal formation was fast approaching. Kenny never once thought about leaving Joel behind; instead, he took the lead as they sped all the way back to Colonial Motors on West Street. Joel threw his keys at the guy who had sold him the Healy and jumped in Kenny’s car. Kenny parked on the street near St. John’s and they undressed as they ran through the St. John’s Yard. <br />
<br />
Plebe training kicked in as they got into uniform and slid into formation with about 20 seconds to spare. As they turned and marched off, Joel remembers seeing Kenny’s round, red face, totally amused by the close call, grinning from ear to ear. Joel thought that his life was in ruins, but all he had to do was look at Kenny’s grin, to make him smile and realize that everything would be all right.<br />
<br />
John Clevenger was Kenny’s roommate during the Spring Set in ’67 and remembers the morning Kenny discovered that he had Bell’s Palsy on the left side of his face. He put up with having to sleep with one eye open and speaking out of one side of his mouth, but the thing that irritated him the most was that he could only smile on the right side of his face. To fix the problem, five Plebes held Kenny down while a rubber band with a partially opened paper clip was attached between his left ear and the left corner of his mouth. The contraption worked and even Kenny thought it was funny when everyone told him that he could chase women again because he now had a full smile.<br />
<br />
After graduation, Ken was assigned to the USS Brownson, DD-868, stationed in Newport, Rhode Island. Frequently, he and I would hang out together at a watering hole called The Tavern. Upon becoming sufficiently primed toward the end of the evenings, we would hop into our rigs I had a ’66 Vette and Ken had an XKE Jag; which we would race around ten-mile drive until sated. About that time, the Navy put out a desperate appeal for NFO backseat drivers and Swift Boat volunteers. Bored to tears with the jobs we currently had, Ken and I vowed to volunteer the very next day; me for NFO and Ken for Swift Boats. Justifiably proud of our decisions, we toasted each other a few more times and repaired to our respective vehicles to cap off the evening with our customary Tour de Newport. The next day, I woke up with a terrific hangover and trudged off to my boring job; all thoughts of glory forgotten in the booze fog. But Ken followed through and the rest is history.<br />
<br />
One of Ken’s closest friends at Patrol Fast Craft (Swift Boat) School was Elmo Zumwalt, III; eldest son of the incumbent CNO, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, Jr. In his book, My Father, My Son, Elmo wrote about his friendship with Ken. Just before deploying to Vietnam in August of 1969, Ken told Elmo he had a premonition that he was not coming home alive. Ken said that if he was killed, he wanted Elmo to have his most prized possession his red, XKE Jaguar. Elmo chalked up Ken’s request to “pre-deployment jitters,” but promised to take care of the Jag for him.<br />
<br />
In September of 1969, John Clevenger had a chance meeting with Kenny in Chu Lai, South Vietnam. John was flying off the carrier Oriskany in the Tonkin Gulf and unable to return to the ship was bingoed to the Marine Airbase at Chu Lai. While having a beer at the O’Club bar, John discovered that Kenny was assigned to Chu Lai and got a ride over to the Swift Boat dock. At the Swift Boat headquarters hut, he found out that Kenny was headed in with a suspected Viet Cong prisoner. When Kenny showed up, John couldn’t believe his eyes. There was his former roomie in old, beat-up tennis shoes, cut-off jeans and a sleeveless t-shirt accessorized with a bushy Fu Manchu mustache, baseball cap, a holstered 9mm pistol on his right hip and a survival knife on his left hip!<br />
<br />
Kenny invited John to join him and his crew of five enlisted men for the remainder of the night’s patrol. John still remembers the excitement of riding on the “thoroughbred” of the Navy as Kenny’s “Swiftie” sped through the open water of the bay near Chu Lai. Fortunately for John, the rest of the night was uneventful and the next morning, Norts drove him back to his aircraft in a jeep. Little did they know, as they shook hands and said good-bye to each other; that it would be for the last time.<br />
<br />
After arriving in Vietnam, Ken was assigned as the Officer-in-Charge of Patrol Craft Fast 61. On the afternoon of October 7, 1969, PCF’s 61 and 69 were destroying fishing weirs on the Troung Giang River about 17 miles southeast of Da Nang. Suddenly, they were ambushed from the shore and came under heavy, semi-automatic weapons and artillery fire. Both Swift boats withdrew to the northwest and saturated the area with mortars and strafing runs on the enemy positions. Ken was at the helm of his boat and in the hail of gunfire, a ricocheting bullet struck him in the head, killing him instantly. Mortally wounded, Ken slumped over the helm and the boat ran hard aground into the river bank. His crew continued to fight and both Swift Boats suppressed the enemy fire. Helo gunships arrived on the scene and saturated the area with rocket and mini gun fire while Ken was medevaced. A single, stray bullet had found its mark and the smile that could light up a room was extinguished forever.<br />
<br />
John Fitzgerald Kennedy said, “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” Kenny is now on eternal duty with the fifty-eight thousand souls of his generation, who answered their country’s call to duty and made the ultimate sacrifice. Their spirits now reside in the most hallowed memorial of our time The Vietnam Wall.<br />
<br />
On panel 17W, Line 48 let your fingers trace the letters K-e-n-n-e-t-h-D-e-a-n-N-o-r-t-o-n, etched in the cool, polished granite. Think about the last time you saw Kenny and as you stare into the black, mirrored surface of the stone, you can see him smiling back at you. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/38153/KENNETH-D-NORTON Wall of Faces]<br />
<blockquote><br />
'''We never had time to meet'''<br /><br />
I was born the day you were buried at sea. My father said hello to me and goodbye to you on the same day. I am honored to have been given your name and I thank you dearly for your service. To my uncle, thank you.<br />
<cite>KENNETH DEAN NORTON II, KENNORTON@LIVE.COM, September 21, 2017</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[GARY E. HOLTZCLAW, 1LT, USMC|Gary Holtzclaw '67]] and [[ALFRED L. MCGLOTHLIN, LT, USN|Alfred Mcglothlin '67]] were also in 9th Company.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Kenneth|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=GARY E. HOLTZCLAW, 1LT, USMC|PreviousPersonName=Gary Holtzclaw '67|NextPersonLink=RICHARD C. DEUTER, LT, USN|NextPersonName=Richard Deuter '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Norton]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 9th Company|Norton]]<br />
[[Category:US Navy|Norton]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Norton]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Norton]]<br />
[[Category:Riverine|Norton]]<br />
[[Category:Coastal Division (COSDIV) 12|Norton]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=KENNETH DEAN NORTON}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=KENNETH_D._NORTON,_LTJG,_USN&diff=187795KENNETH D. NORTON, LTJG, USN2024-02-11T18:26:27Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=August 19, 1944|DoD=October 7, 1969|Age=25|name_class=Kenneth Norton '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Norton LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=KENNETH DEAN NORTON<br />
|LBHometown=Lady Lake, Florida<br />
|LBText=After spending an 18-year blue and gold childhood, "Norts" decided to continue in the line of his predecessors and sign his life away to Navy. After a year at Columbian Prep, Ken took plebe year in stride and devoted his first summer leave to airborne training. "Norts" was always in the midst of the Navy sports program by participating in Battalion boxing and gymnastics. Being an individualist, his interests range anywhere from sports cars to parachuting and he pursues them all with equal interest. Ken never lacked for hard work, desire and determination, and he will become a welcome addition to the Naval Service. <br />
|LBOther=He was also a member of the 9th Company staff (winter and spring).}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Kenneth was killed in action October 7, 1969 when the boat (PCF 61) for which he was officer-in-charge was ambushed on the Troung Yang, South Vietnam.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From the December 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt(jg) Norton was born in Hutchinson, Kan., and attended Columbian Preparatory School before he entered the Naval Academy. A member of the Ninth Company at the Academy, he was graduated in June 1967 and reported to the <span class='smallcaps'>USS Brownson</span>. Stationed in Vietnam, Lt.(jg) Norton was attached to Coastal Division 12 at the time of his death.<br />
<br />
Survivors include his parents, Cdr. Leroy G. Norton, USN (Ret.), and Mrs. Norton of Lady Lake, Fl.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
While a High School student at Rancocas Valley H.S., Mt. Holly, NJ, Kenneth was named a [https://www.newspapers.com/image/40748530/?terms=%22Kenneth%20D.%20Norton%22%20&match=2 National Merit Scholar semi-finalist] and [https://www.newspapers.com/image/180766027/?terms=%22Kenneth%20Norton%22%20&match=1 won 1st prize] in Chemistry at the Rancocas Valley Regional HS Science Fair.<br />
<br />
From [http://swiftboatsailorsmemorial.com/exhibits/show/50sbskia/sbskia1969/kennethnorton Swift Boat Sailors Memorial]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
On the afternoon of 7 October, while on normal Sea Tiger patrol, PCF's 61 and 69 were destroying fishing wiers on the Truong Giang River about 17 miles southeast of Danang (BT 188 487) when they received heavy semi-automatic (S/A) weapons fire. The "Swift" boats withdrew to the northwest and saturated the area with 81mm mortars and then made a .50 caliber strafing run on the enemy positions. After rearming both units proceeded north to exit the Truong Giang River when they received heavy automatic weapons, semi-automatic and 57mm recoilless rifle fire from bunker positions. In the general hail of fire, the helmsmen, Officer-in-Charge of PCF 61, LTJG Kenneth Dean NORTON, USN, 717895/1100, was killed and PCF 61 ran hard aground while traveling at full speed. At the same time, both "Swift" boats received 57mm R/R rounds close aboard resulting in minor damage to PCF 69 and punctured the port fuel tank of PCF 61 causing minor flooding. Both units suppressed the enemy fire. PCF 101, helo gunships and a "dustoff" helo arrived on the scene at 1310H. The helo gunships saturated the area with rocket and mini gun fire while LTJG NORTON was MEDEVACED. PCF's 69 and 101 pulled PCF 61 free at 1600H and proceeded without further incident to Coastal Group 14 headquarters, with the helo gunships providing cover. There were 20 structures destroyed in the operation. One U.S. sailor received a minor wound, was treated, and returned to duty. Enemy casualties are unknown.<br />
<cite>US Naval Forces Vietnam Monthly Summary for Oct 1969</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
[https://www.newspapers.com/image/237268345/?terms=%22Kenneth%20Dean%20Norton%22%20&match=1 Memorial services] were held at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station Chapel with burial at sea. He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182446302 has a memorial] on his family's farm in Alabama.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Norton 1.jpg|link=http://www.virtualwall.org/dn/NortonKD01a.htm<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Eulogy (Delivered by Tim Hoffmann, 9th Company’s 40th Reunion Memorial Service, 21 October 2007)<br />
<br />
LTJG Kenneth Dean Norton, USN 19 August 1944 – 07 October 1969<br />
<br />
If you ever needed a friend; you could count on him. He was always there, with a grin that could light up a room. Kenneth “Norts” Norton was born in Hutchinson, Kansas, but called the Navy “home.” Navy through and through, Ken knew what he wanted and concentrated all of his efforts on becoming a Surface Warfare officer. He earned a Presidential appointment and spent a year at Columbian Preparatory, before raising his right hand on “I Day” and being sworn in as a member of the Class of 1967.<br />
<br />
Ken’s whole life to that point had been spent in preparation for the rigors of the Naval Academy. His year at Columbian Prep served him well and for the most part, Ken was able to take plebe year in stride. Extremely diligent, Ken found some of the calculus and chemistry courses especially challenging, but his determination and hard work paid off and he passed them with flying colors. While academics might have been difficult for Ken, when it came to friendship and generosity he was truly gifted. Leroy Farr, who roomed with Kenny, Plebe year, came from a very small, very rural town in Kansas. Before going to the Naval Academy he had never even been east of the Mississippi. Ken made a point of frequently inviting Leroy to his parent’s home in New Jersey where CDR Norton was stationed. Kenny and his family opened their hearts and their home to Leroy and by doing so, became a second family to him that first year.<br />
<br />
Remembered as an easy guy to get along with, popular and always smiling, Ken’s interests ranged from parachuting to sports cars. One Sunday afternoon of First-Class year, Kenny drove Joel Heaton out to Laurel, Maryland, to pick up his brand new, illegal, Austin-Healy. Heading back to Annapolis with Joel in the lead, as they entered the beltway the driver ahead of Joel started to merge; then stopped. Joel, looking back to see when he could enter the highway, accelerated and rear ended the car ahead of him. The driver of the car Joel hit was an active duty Marine Corps Colonel! By the time they exchanged insurance information, it was getting late and the evening meal formation was fast approaching. Kenny never once thought about leaving Joel behind; instead, he took the lead as they sped all the way back to Colonial Motors on West Street. Joel threw his keys at the guy who had sold him the Healy and jumped in Kenny’s car. Kenny parked on the street near St. John’s and they undressed as they ran through the St. John’s Yard. <br />
<br />
Plebe training kicked in as they got into uniform and slid into formation with about 20 seconds to spare. As they turned and marched off, Joel remembers seeing Kenny’s round, red face, totally amused by the close call, grinning from ear to ear. Joel thought that his life was in ruins, but all he had to do was look at Kenny’s grin, to make him smile and realize that everything would be all right.<br />
<br />
John Clevenger was Kenny’s roommate during the Spring Set in ’67 and remembers the morning Kenny discovered that he had Bell’s Palsy on the left side of his face. He put up with having to sleep with one eye open and speaking out of one side of his mouth, but the thing that irritated him the most was that he could only smile on the right side of his face. To fix the problem, five Plebes held Kenny down while a rubber band with a partially opened paper clip was attached between his left ear and the left corner of his mouth. The contraption worked and even Kenny thought it was funny when everyone told him that he could chase women again because he now had a full smile.<br />
<br />
After graduation, Ken was assigned to the USS Brownson, DD-868, stationed in Newport, Rhode Island. Frequently, he and I would hang out together at a watering hole called The Tavern. Upon becoming sufficiently primed toward the end of the evenings, we would hop into our rigs I had a ’66 Vette and Ken had an XKE Jag; which we would race around ten-mile drive until sated. About that time, the Navy put out a desperate appeal for NFO backseat drivers and Swift Boat volunteers. Bored to tears with the jobs we currently had, Ken and I vowed to volunteer the very next day; me for NFO and Ken for Swift Boats. Justifiably proud of our decisions, we toasted each other a few more times and repaired to our respective vehicles to cap off the evening with our customary Tour de Newport. The next day, I woke up with a terrific hangover and trudged off to my boring job; all thoughts of glory forgotten in the booze fog. But Ken followed through and the rest is history.<br />
<br />
One of Ken’s closest friends at Patrol Fast Craft (Swift Boat) School was Elmo Zumwalt, III; eldest son of the incumbent CNO, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, Jr. In his book, My Father, My Son, Elmo wrote about his friendship with Ken. Just before deploying to Vietnam in August of 1969, Ken told Elmo he had a premonition that he was not coming home alive. Ken said that if he was killed, he wanted Elmo to have his most prized possession his red, XKE Jaguar. Elmo chalked up Ken’s request to “pre-deployment jitters,” but promised to take care of the Jag for him.<br />
<br />
In September of 1969, John Clevenger had a chance meeting with Kenny in Chu Lai, South Vietnam. John was flying off the carrier Oriskany in the Tonkin Gulf and unable to return to the ship was bingoed to the Marine Airbase at Chu Lai. While having a beer at the O’Club bar, John discovered that Kenny was assigned to Chu Lai and got a ride over to the Swift Boat dock. At the Swift Boat headquarters hut, he found out that Kenny was headed in with a suspected Viet Cong prisoner. When Kenny showed up, John couldn’t believe his eyes. There was his former roomie in old, beat-up tennis shoes, cut-off jeans and a sleeveless t-shirt accessorized with a bushy Fu Manchu mustache, baseball cap, a holstered 9mm pistol on his right hip and a survival knife on his left hip!<br />
<br />
Kenny invited John to join him and his crew of five enlisted men for the remainder of the night’s patrol. John still remembers the excitement of riding on the “thoroughbred” of the Navy as Kenny’s “Swiftie” sped through the open water of the bay near Chu Lai. Fortunately for John, the rest of the night was uneventful and the next morning, Norts drove him back to his aircraft in a jeep. Little did they know, as they shook hands and said good-bye to each other; that it would be for the last time.<br />
<br />
After arriving in Vietnam, Ken was assigned as the Officer-in-Charge of Patrol Craft Fast 61. On the afternoon of October 7, 1969, PCF’s 61 and 69 were destroying fishing weirs on the Troung Giang River about 17 miles southeast of Da Nang. Suddenly, they were ambushed from the shore and came under heavy, semi-automatic weapons and artillery fire. Both Swift boats withdrew to the northwest and saturated the area with mortars and strafing runs on the enemy positions. Ken was at the helm of his boat and in the hail of gunfire, a ricocheting bullet struck him in the head, killing him instantly. Mortally wounded, Ken slumped over the helm and the boat ran hard aground into the river bank. His crew continued to fight and both Swift Boats suppressed the enemy fire. Helo gunships arrived on the scene and saturated the area with rocket and mini gun fire while Ken was medevaced. A single, stray bullet had found its mark and the smile that could light up a room was extinguished forever.<br />
<br />
John Fitzgerald Kennedy said, “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” Kenny is now on eternal duty with the fifty-eight thousand souls of his generation, who answered their country’s call to duty and made the ultimate sacrifice. Their spirits now reside in the most hallowed memorial of our time The Vietnam Wall.<br />
<br />
On panel 17W, Line 48 let your fingers trace the letters K-e-n-n-e-t-h-D-e-a-n-N-o-r-t-o-n, etched in the cool, polished granite. Think about the last time you saw Kenny and as you stare into the black, mirrored surface of the stone, you can see him smiling back at you. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/38153/KENNETH-D-NORTON Wall of Faces]<br />
<blockquote><br />
'''We never had time to meet'''<br /><br />
I was born the day you were buried at sea. My father said hello to me and goodbye to you on the same day. I am honored to have been given your name and I thank you dearly for your service. To my uncle, thank you.<br />
<cite>KENNETH DEAN NORTON II, KENNORTON@LIVE.COM, September 21, 2017</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[GARY E. HOLTZCLAW, 1LT, USMC|Gary Holtzclaw '67]] and [[ALFRED L. MCGLOTHLIN, LT, USN|Alfred Mcglothlin '67]] were also in 9th Company.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Kenneth|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=GARY E. HOLTZCLAW, 1LT, USMC|PreviousPersonName=Gary Holtzclaw '67|NextPersonLink=RICHARD C. DEUTER, LT, USN|NextPersonName=Richard Deuter '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Norton]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 9th Company|Norton]]<br />
[[Category:US Navy|Norton]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Norton]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Norton]]<br />
[[Category:Riverine|Norton]]<br />
[[Category:Coastal Division (COSDIV) 12|Norton]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=KENNETH DEAN NORTON}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=GARY_E._HOLTZCLAW,_1LT,_USMC&diff=187154GARY E. HOLTZCLAW, 1LT, USMC2024-01-21T21:15:17Z<p>LeslieBP: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=November 17, 1944|DoD=May 2, 1969|Age=24|name_class=Gary Holtzclaw '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Holtzclaw LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=GARY EARL HOLTZCLAW<br />
|LBHometown=Corbin, Kentucky<br />
|LBText="Rocky" came to Navy after one year at Western Kentucky State University where he maintained a 3.7 average. At Navy he has been a consistent name on the Dean's and Superintendent's Lists. He has participated in the battalion and Brigade Boxing programs, French Club, and was a half-miler on the battalion track team. Rocky's friendly manner and drive to succeed will make all of his friends and fellow officers proud to have him aboard.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
From [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134609068 Find A Grave]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
In Vietnam, 1stLt Gary Holtzclaw was assigned to and served with Company F, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d MARDIV (Rein) FMF.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of May the Battalion was participating in Operation PURPLE MARTIN in northern Quang Tri Province. On May 2, during the movement of Company F troops a mid-air collision occurred between a CH-46D from HMM-262 and a UH-1H, with the CH 46D crashing west of FSB Russell in the vicinity of Dong Tien Mountain and the damaged UH-1H managing to land. There were no survivors in the CH-46D; twelve passengers and crew died.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From the September-October 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
1/Lt. Gary E. Holtzclaw, USMC, died on 2 May in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, as the result of a mid-air helicopter collision. Services were held in the First Christian Church of Corbin, Kentucky, followed by graveside services in the Cumberland Memorial Gardens of Lily, with military honors.<br />
<br />
Born in Corbin, 1/Lt. Holtzclaw was a member of various activities and clubs at Corbin High School and attended Western Kentucky University. He was a member of the Ninth Company at the Naval Academy and was graduated from the Academy in June 1967. Commissioned into the Marine Corps. 1/Lt. Holtzclaw completed Basic Training at Quantico and in November 1968 arrived in Vietnam where he was attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division (REIN), Fleet Marine Force.<br />
<br />
He is survived by his widow Patricia A. Holtzclaw of Corbin, Ky.; his parents Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Holtzclaw of Corbin, Ky. ; a sister Mrs. Janice Hamlin of Corbin, and two brothers Robert Jr. of Covington and Gene Holtzclaw of Glasgow.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
More details on the collision are [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/23922/GARY-E-HOLTZCLAW here.]<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
Gary was very involved in the [https://www.newspapers.com/image/33816850/?terms=Holtzclaw&match=1 Corbin High School clubs and sports], including President of the Dukes Club, secretary of the Hi-Y Club, director of the board of the Key Club, and member of the Glee Club and the golf team. He received the Beta Club award and was named Mr. CHS in his senior year.<br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
(Delivered by John Clevenger, 9th Company’s 40th Reunion Memorial Service, 21 October 2007)<br />
<br />
1st Lt Gary Earl Holtzclaw, USMC 17 November 1944 – 02 May 1969<br />
<br />
He was a tough little guy; only about 5'6" or so, 120 pounds, born with the Eagle, Globe and Anchor in his soul. A native of Corbin, Kentucky, Gary “Rocky” Holtzclaw was a Marine from Day One. Tenacious and determined, it took him two years to win a Congressional appointment to the Naval Academy. Finally, in June of 1963, Gary took his place with the Class of 1967 in pursuit of his lifelong dream.<br />
<br />
Gary worked really hard to keep himself fit and staying in shape for boxing was just one aspect of his drive and perseverance. He also studied hard and was consistently named to the Dean’s and Superintendent’s Lists. His favorite recreational reading was the History of the Marine Corps; a book about three inches thick. With his drive to succeed, Gary became a role model for his roommates. Doug Murrell said that after rooming with Gary for two years, he actually broke a 3.2 one semester, largely due to Gary’s example.<br />
<br />
Gary played by the rules, but he willing to stretch them on occasion. One evening, Gary and Doug were in my room, when I was Company Commander, along with my roomies Ken Norton and John Richman. We were all sitting around, shooting the breeze, sipping a little scotch and practicing sticking pencils, coins and socks to the acoustic tiles in the ceiling. The Officer of the Watch suddenly burst into the room, raising hell, because some Youngsters had radios on after Taps. The entire room snapped to attention while I took several minutes of abuse and direction from the OOW. After the chewing out, the OOW stormed out, never noticing either the glasses of scotch or all the stuff hanging from the ceiling!<br />
<br />
On another occasion, Gary, Doug and some others took Norm Hapke to East Baltimore Street to enjoy some of the area’s baser pleasures; among them, The Gaiety Burlesque and the Two O’Clock Club home to the famous stripper Blaze Starr. Arriving back at Bancroft Hall well past the curfew, Norm, to demonstrate his solidarity volunteered to sneak into the 5th Wing basement window, on which the lock was broken, to open the door for the rest of the group. Norm was boosted up to the window and as he bounced in, he landed on the OOW who was making his rounds. It’s long been forgotten how many demerits Norm got for his effort, but the rest of the group greatly enjoyed the evening!<br />
<br />
Gary approached athletics with the same diligence and dedication as his academics. He boxed in the 115 pound class in both the Battalion and Brigade Boxing programs and could duke it out with the best of them. But, like all of us, he had his weaknesses. He lost his match in the Brigade Quarter-Finals, because there was a good-looking young woman in a red mini skirt sitting about five rows up in the stands right at Gary’s eye level. You can see where this is going... needless to say, he was distracted and the other guy, who was apparently taller, took the advantage and won the bout.<br />
<br />
Shortly after graduation, in his hometown of Corbin, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Gregory. Doug Murrell and Leroy Farr attended the wedding and remember it as the happiest day of Gary’s life. The boy from Kentucky finally had all he ever wanted his Corps and his girl. The newlyweds headed to Quantico, Virginia where Gary attended The Basic School before deploying to the Mediterranean. Following that tour of duty, he next attended Force Recon School in preparation for deployment to Vietnam. In November of 1968, Gary arrived in Vietnam where he was attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force.<br />
<br />
On May 2, 1969 after being “On the Line” for over a month, Gary, a Company Commander, and his Marines were being relieved and rotated to the rear for some much needed rest. Due to the high tempo of combat operations, the Army and the Marine Corps both had helicopter troop carriers and gunships operating in the same area. As the Marine Corps transport with Gary and the other Marines aboard cleared the tree tops, its rotor blades collided with those of an Army Huey. The Marine Corps CH-46 unable to regain control, crashed into the ground. There were no survivors.<br />
<br />
Gary and Patricia had been married less than two years and he had been deployed to the Med and Vietnam for almost half of that time. His mother refused to speak of the medal that the Marine Corps posthumously awarded to Gary; she said that it was no substitute for her son. At the Holtzclaw family’s request, Doug Murrell escorted Gary’s remains home to Corbin, where he was laid to rest with full military honors. Once again, the tiny Appalachian mining town having lost far too many of its sons in their country’s service, mournfully added a favorite son’s name to the hundreds already on its war memorial. In a little over two years, those who knew Gary and loved him went from the height of happiness to the depths of grief.<br />
<br />
Gary Earl Holtzclaw was a great guy, a loyal friend, a good son, a loving husband and a dedicated Marine. On the anniversary of Gary’s death, Manny G., a fellow Vietnam veteran, visited The Wall and left this note addressed to him. “Greater love hath no man than this; that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13. You are my friend, always remembered, never forgotten. May God bless you for your sacrifice.”<br />
<br />
His roommate at The Basic School, William Congleton remembers Gary as his mentor. He had a stone engraved in Gary’s memory and it is on display in the Essex Junction, Vermont, Memorial Park. The inscription reads, “Gary, thanks for watching over me. I miss you. WGC, USMC.”<br />
<br />
Ian Campbell, in the words of William Shakespeare, wrote this message to Gary and posted it at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. <br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lest We Forget<br />
<br />
He which hath no stomach to this fight, let him depart.<br />
<br />
But we in it shall be remembered; we few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.<br />
<br />
Rest In Peace Brave Marine, You Have Not Been Forgotten.<br />
<br />
SEMPER FI <br />
</blockquote><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/23922/GARY-E-HOLTZCLAW?page=2#remembrances Wall of Faces]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Gary and I were boyhood friends growing up in the mountainous town of Corbin Kentucky. We rode bikes together, played ball together, fished hiked and most all other things boys do. I never really got to tell him how much I cherished our friendship and growing up years. Nor, did I ever get to tell him goodbye. At this time in my life it is pretty late to say goodbye, but I will say until we meet again.<br />
<cite>BILL SHOTWELL, 11/2/01</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
I can still vividly remember Gary and I pedaling our bicycles around Corbin as I accompanied him on his newspaper route after school. I still smile as I recall jokingly calling him "Einstein" for being the brainy "scientist" of our class.<br />
<br />
I was in the Army in Germany when I received the devastating news about Gary through a newspaper clipping from my Mom. I returned home in October that same year. Exactly forty years have passed since Gary and I went our separate ways, but I still think of him.<br />
<br />
Gary, you're a hero. I'm always proud of you and for your ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country. You're always in my thoughts and prayers. I miss you, man!<br />
<br />
Your buddy,<br/><br />
Mickey<br />
<cite>MICHAEL (MICKEY) WHITE, 7/7/02</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Silver Star ==<br />
From [http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=40408 Hall of Valor]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Gary E. Holtzclaw (MCSN: 0-101637), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 April 1969, during Operation PURPLE MARTIN, Company F, while conducting a search and destroy operation, came under intense fire from a well-entrenched, heavily fortified North Vietnamese Army company and sustained several casualties. Without hesitation, First Lieutenant Holtzclaw advanced to the point of heaviest contact and began to direct the fire of his men against the enemy. During the ensuing fire fight, he repeatedly disregarded his own safety as he moved from one position to another, encouraging and directing his men in coordinating supporting fire on hostile targets. When the enemy attack subsided, First Lieutenant Holtzclaw supervised evacuation of casualties, reorganized his company, and continued to pursue the enemy. His unflagging determination and bold fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his extraordinary courage, superb leadership and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Holtzclaw upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.<br />
<br />
Action Date: 10-Apr-69<br/><br />
Service: Marine Corps<br/><br />
Rank: First Lieutenant<br/><br />
Company: Company F<br/><br />
Battalion: 2d Battalion<br/><br />
Regiment: 4th Marines<br/><br />
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Memorials ==<br />
Gary is among those names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. As his loss was not due directly to hostile action, though, he does not appear in the Vietnam War section of the Killed In Action panel in Memorial Hall.<br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[ALFRED L. MCGLOTHLIN, LT, USN|Alfred Mcglothlin '67]] and [[KENNETH D. NORTON, LTJG, USN|Kenneth Norton '67]] were also in 9th Company.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Gary|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=HAL C. CASTLE, JR., LTJG, USN|PreviousPersonName=Hal Castle, Jr. '67|NextPersonLink=KENNETH D. NORTON, LTJG, USN|NextPersonName=Kenneth Norton '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Holtzclaw]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 9th Company|Holtzclaw]]<br />
[[Category:US Marine Corps|Holtzclaw]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Holtzclaw]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Holtzclaw]]<br />
[[Category:Helicopter|Holtzclaw]]<br />
[[Category:2nd Battalion, 4th Marines|Holtzclaw]]<br />
[[Category:Silver Star|Holtzclaw]]</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=GARY_E._HOLTZCLAW,_1LT,_USMC&diff=186939GARY E. HOLTZCLAW, 1LT, USMC2024-01-11T01:34:12Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Loss */ removed addresses</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=November 17, 1944|DoD=May 2, 1969|Age=24|name_class=Gary Holtzclaw '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Holtzclaw LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=GARY EARL HOLTZCLAW<br />
|LBHometown=Corbin, Kentucky<br />
|LBText="Rocky" came to Navy after one year at Western Kentucky State University where he maintained a 3.7 average. At Navy he has been a consistent name on the Dean's and Superintendent's Lists. He has participated in the battalion and Brigade Boxing programs, French Club, and was a half-miler on the battalion track team. Rocky's friendly manner and drive to succeed will make all of his friends and fellow officers proud to have him aboard.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
From [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134609068 Find A Grave]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
In Vietnam, 1stLt Gary Holtzclaw was assigned to and served with Company F, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d MARDIV (Rein) FMF.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of May the Battalion was participating in Operation PURPLE MARTIN in northern Quang Tri Province. On May 2, during the movement of Company F troops a mid-air collision occurred between a CH-46D from HMM-262 and a UH-1H, with the CH 46D crashing west of FSB Russell in the vicinity of Dong Tien Mountain and the damaged UH-1H managing to land. There were no survivors in the CH-46D; twelve passengers and crew died.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From the September-October 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
1/Lt. Gary E. Holtzclaw, USMC, died on 2 May in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, as the result of a mid-air helicopter collision. Services were held in the First Christian Church of Corbin, Kentucky, followed by graveside services in the Cumberland Memorial Gardens of Lily, with military honors.<br />
<br />
Born in Corbin, 1/Lt. Holtzclaw was a member of various activities and clubs at Corbin High School and attended Western Kentucky University. He was a member of the Ninth Company at the Naval Academy and was graduated from the Academy in June 1967. Commissioned into the Marine Corps. 1/Lt. Holtzclaw completed Basic Training at Quantico and in November 1968 arrived in Vietnam where he was attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division (REIN), Fleet Marine Force.<br />
<br />
He is survived by his widow Patricia A. Holtzclaw of Corbin, Ky.; his parents Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Holtzclaw of Corbin, Ky. ; a sister Mrs. Janice Hamlin of Corbin, and two brothers Robert Jr. of Covington and Gene Holtzclaw of Glasgow.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
More details on the collision are [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/23922/GARY-E-HOLTZCLAW here.]<br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
(Delivered by John Clevenger, 9th Company’s 40th Reunion Memorial Service, 21 October 2007)<br />
<br />
1st Lt Gary Earl Holtzclaw, USMC 17 November 1944 – 02 May 1969<br />
<br />
He was a tough little guy; only about 5'6" or so, 120 pounds, born with the Eagle, Globe and Anchor in his soul. A native of Corbin, Kentucky, Gary “Rocky” Holtzclaw was a Marine from Day One. Tenacious and determined, it took him two years to win a Congressional appointment to the Naval Academy. Finally, in June of 1963, Gary took his place with the Class of 1967 in pursuit of his lifelong dream.<br />
<br />
Gary worked really hard to keep himself fit and staying in shape for boxing was just one aspect of his drive and perseverance. He also studied hard and was consistently named to the Dean’s and Superintendent’s Lists. His favorite recreational reading was the History of the Marine Corps; a book about three inches thick. With his drive to succeed, Gary became a role model for his roommates. Doug Murrell said that after rooming with Gary for two years, he actually broke a 3.2 one semester, largely due to Gary’s example.<br />
<br />
Gary played by the rules, but he willing to stretch them on occasion. One evening, Gary and Doug were in my room, when I was Company Commander, along with my roomies Ken Norton and John Richman. We were all sitting around, shooting the breeze, sipping a little scotch and practicing sticking pencils, coins and socks to the acoustic tiles in the ceiling. The Officer of the Watch suddenly burst into the room, raising hell, because some Youngsters had radios on after Taps. The entire room snapped to attention while I took several minutes of abuse and direction from the OOW. After the chewing out, the OOW stormed out, never noticing either the glasses of scotch or all the stuff hanging from the ceiling!<br />
<br />
On another occasion, Gary, Doug and some others took Norm Hapke to East Baltimore Street to enjoy some of the area’s baser pleasures; among them, The Gaiety Burlesque and the Two O’Clock Club home to the famous stripper Blaze Starr. Arriving back at Bancroft Hall well past the curfew, Norm, to demonstrate his solidarity volunteered to sneak into the 5th Wing basement window, on which the lock was broken, to open the door for the rest of the group. Norm was boosted up to the window and as he bounced in, he landed on the OOW who was making his rounds. It’s long been forgotten how many demerits Norm got for his effort, but the rest of the group greatly enjoyed the evening!<br />
<br />
Gary approached athletics with the same diligence and dedication as his academics. He boxed in the 115 pound class in both the Battalion and Brigade Boxing programs and could duke it out with the best of them. But, like all of us, he had his weaknesses. He lost his match in the Brigade Quarter-Finals, because there was a good-looking young woman in a red mini skirt sitting about five rows up in the stands right at Gary’s eye level. You can see where this is going... needless to say, he was distracted and the other guy, who was apparently taller, took the advantage and won the bout.<br />
<br />
Shortly after graduation, in his hometown of Corbin, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Gregory. Doug Murrell and Leroy Farr attended the wedding and remember it as the happiest day of Gary’s life. The boy from Kentucky finally had all he ever wanted his Corps and his girl. The newlyweds headed to Quantico, Virginia where Gary attended The Basic School before deploying to the Mediterranean. Following that tour of duty, he next attended Force Recon School in preparation for deployment to Vietnam. In November of 1968, Gary arrived in Vietnam where he was attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force.<br />
<br />
On May 2, 1969 after being “On the Line” for over a month, Gary, a Company Commander, and his Marines were being relieved and rotated to the rear for some much needed rest. Due to the high tempo of combat operations, the Army and the Marine Corps both had helicopter troop carriers and gunships operating in the same area. As the Marine Corps transport with Gary and the other Marines aboard cleared the tree tops, its rotor blades collided with those of an Army Huey. The Marine Corps CH-46 unable to regain control, crashed into the ground. There were no survivors.<br />
<br />
Gary and Patricia had been married less than two years and he had been deployed to the Med and Vietnam for almost half of that time. His mother refused to speak of the medal that the Marine Corps posthumously awarded to Gary; she said that it was no substitute for her son. At the Holtzclaw family’s request, Doug Murrell escorted Gary’s remains home to Corbin, where he was laid to rest with full military honors. Once again, the tiny Appalachian mining town having lost far too many of its sons in their country’s service, mournfully added a favorite son’s name to the hundreds already on its war memorial. In a little over two years, those who knew Gary and loved him went from the height of happiness to the depths of grief.<br />
<br />
Gary Earl Holtzclaw was a great guy, a loyal friend, a good son, a loving husband and a dedicated Marine. On the anniversary of Gary’s death, Manny G., a fellow Vietnam veteran, visited The Wall and left this note addressed to him. “Greater love hath no man than this; that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13. You are my friend, always remembered, never forgotten. May God bless you for your sacrifice.”<br />
<br />
His roommate at The Basic School, William Congleton remembers Gary as his mentor. He had a stone engraved in Gary’s memory and it is on display in the Essex Junction, Vermont, Memorial Park. The inscription reads, “Gary, thanks for watching over me. I miss you. WGC, USMC.”<br />
<br />
Ian Campbell, in the words of William Shakespeare, wrote this message to Gary and posted it at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. <br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lest We Forget<br />
<br />
He which hath no stomach to this fight, let him depart.<br />
<br />
But we in it shall be remembered; we few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.<br />
<br />
Rest In Peace Brave Marine, You Have Not Been Forgotten.<br />
<br />
SEMPER FI <br />
</blockquote><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/23922/GARY-E-HOLTZCLAW?page=2#remembrances Wall of Faces]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Gary and I were boyhood friends growing up in the mountainous town of Corbin Kentucky. We rode bikes together, played ball together, fished hiked and most all other things boys do. I never really got to tell him how much I cherished our friendship and growing up years. Nor, did I ever get to tell him goodbye. At this time in my life it is pretty late to say goodbye, but I will say until we meet again.<br />
<cite>BILL SHOTWELL, 11/2/01</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
I can still vividly remember Gary and I pedaling our bicycles around Corbin as I accompanied him on his newspaper route after school. I still smile as I recall jokingly calling him "Einstein" for being the brainy "scientist" of our class.<br />
<br />
I was in the Army in Germany when I received the devastating news about Gary through a newspaper clipping from my Mom. I returned home in October that same year. Exactly forty years have passed since Gary and I went our separate ways, but I still think of him.<br />
<br />
Gary, you're a hero. I'm always proud of you and for your ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country. You're always in my thoughts and prayers. I miss you, man!<br />
<br />
Your buddy,<br/><br />
Mickey<br />
<cite>MICHAEL (MICKEY) WHITE, 7/7/02</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Silver Star ==<br />
From [http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=40408 Hall of Valor]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Gary E. Holtzclaw (MCSN: 0-101637), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 April 1969, during Operation PURPLE MARTIN, Company F, while conducting a search and destroy operation, came under intense fire from a well-entrenched, heavily fortified North Vietnamese Army company and sustained several casualties. Without hesitation, First Lieutenant Holtzclaw advanced to the point of heaviest contact and began to direct the fire of his men against the enemy. During the ensuing fire fight, he repeatedly disregarded his own safety as he moved from one position to another, encouraging and directing his men in coordinating supporting fire on hostile targets. When the enemy attack subsided, First Lieutenant Holtzclaw supervised evacuation of casualties, reorganized his company, and continued to pursue the enemy. His unflagging determination and bold fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his extraordinary courage, superb leadership and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Holtzclaw upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.<br />
<br />
Action Date: 10-Apr-69<br/><br />
Service: Marine Corps<br/><br />
Rank: First Lieutenant<br/><br />
Company: Company F<br/><br />
Battalion: 2d Battalion<br/><br />
Regiment: 4th Marines<br/><br />
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Memorials ==<br />
Gary is among those names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. As his loss was not due directly to hostile action, though, he does not appear in the Vietnam War section of the Killed In Action panel in Memorial Hall.<br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[ALFRED L. MCGLOTHLIN, LT, USN|Alfred Mcglothlin '67]] and [[KENNETH D. NORTON, LTJG, USN|Kenneth Norton '67]] were also in 9th Company.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Gary|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=HAL C. CASTLE, JR., LTJG, USN|PreviousPersonName=Hal Castle, Jr. '67|NextPersonLink=KENNETH D. NORTON, LTJG, USN|NextPersonName=Kenneth Norton '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Holtzclaw]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 9th Company|Holtzclaw]]<br />
[[Category:US Marine Corps|Holtzclaw]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Holtzclaw]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Holtzclaw]]<br />
[[Category:Helicopter|Holtzclaw]]<br />
[[Category:2nd Battalion, 4th Marines|Holtzclaw]]<br />
[[Category:Silver Star|Holtzclaw]]</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=HAL_C._CASTLE,_JR.,_LTJG,_USN&diff=186938HAL C. CASTLE, JR., LTJG, USN2024-01-11T01:24:49Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */ HS activities from newspapers</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=May 20, 1945|DoD=April 28, 1969|Age=23|name_class=Hal Castle, Jr. '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Castle LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=HAL CUSHMAN CASTLE, JR.<br />
|LBHometown=Norfolk, Virginia<br />
|LBText=A second generation midshipman, Hal hails from Norfolk, Virginia. At the Academy, he was an important asset to both the company soccer and fieldball teams. Second to his OAO his main interest is the naval profession and professional knowledge. Hal was active on the Reception Committee and always had an extra team for you to drag if you didn't have anything else to do. Hal's goals for a naval career are as high as a Phantom can carry him. With his great attitude and aptitude for the Naval Service, Hal will go far and do well as an officer in the Navy.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Hal was killed in action on April 28, 1969 when the helicopter gunship he was copiloting was shot down near Mor Hoa, South Vietnam.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From the July-August 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt(jg) Castle was born in Washington, D. C, attended Norfolk Academy and was graduated from the Naval Academy in 1967. He had flight training at Pensacola, Fla., and was designated a naval aviator in Nov. 1968. After further training, Lt.(jg) Castle reported to Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three at Vung Tau, Vietnam, in March.<br />
<br />
He is survived by his widow Julia of Danville, Va.; his parents Capt. Hal C. Castle Sr., USN '44, and Mrs. Castle of Norfolk, Va.; two brothers William of the University of Virginia and Christopher, USNA '72; a sister Katherine of Mary Washington College; his maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. W. V. Shelton of Washington, and his paternal grandmother Mrs. Helen M. Castle of San Gabriel, Calif.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR?page=2#remembrances Wall of Faces]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Crew members included LJG Richard J. Reardon (KIA), AO3 Michael E. Schafernocker (KIA), LJG Hal C. Castle Jr. (KIA), and AN James B. Page Jr. (Rescued). There are two accounts of the crash involving U.S. Navy helicopter UH-1 tail number 63-08603. <br />
<br />
FIRST ACCOUNT: LTJG Richard J. Reardon was a pilot assigned to Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3, Detachment 3 'Seawolves' in Vietnam. He flew the UH1B 'Huey' attack helicopter gunship with his co-pilot LJG Hal C. Castle, and two enlisted gunners. On April 28, 1969 the Detachment 3 fire team was based at the Special Forces Camp, Moc Hoa, and sent on a patrol of the Vam Co Tay River. This location is in Kien Tuong Province, right on the Cambodian border. The river was notorious as a Viet Cong infiltration route and a large number of abandoned sampans were targeted. During the attack run, intense enemy fire was encountered and suppression fire was called for. LJG Reardon was seen to impact in a near-vertical crash and become engulfed in flames. One enlisted crewman was either thrown from or crawled clear of the wreckage and was later rescued by the lead helicopter only after engaging heavy ground fire. With the crash circumstances as they were, and the visual consensus of other helicopter crews in the flight, there was little to no likelihood that anyone else could have survived. The crew, including Reardon, was listed Killed in Action. In later recovery attempts, the remains of two crewmembers, including Castle's, were recovered. Reardon's remains were [recovered in 2003]. <br />
<br />
SECOND ACCOUNT: The Seawolves did lose a Huey on this day. It was from Detachment 3 and was Seawolf 320, a UH-1B or C. While operating inside Cambodia it was hit by heavy auto weapons fire and crashed. Killed in the crash were the pilot, LTJG Richard Reardon, the copilot, LTJG Hal Castle, and the gunner, AO3 Michael E Schafernocker. The crew chief, AN James B. Page, Jr. was severely injured. The second team member, Seawolf 305 was hit in the engine oil system and made a forced landing near the wreck of Seawolf 320. They recovered Page under fire and held out to be picked up by a slick from the 175th AHC, Outlaw 29, after several attempted landings. While taking off, the pilot of Seawolf 305 was shot by ground fire and killed. He was LJG Joseph F. Hart. A crewman observer also rescued (AN Charles Larsen) was seriously wounded on take-off as well. Location of this incident was approximately Grid XS153986. The bodies of LtJg Castle and AO3 Schafernocker and a third body were returned by Cambodian officials on 20 Feb 70. The third body was not identified at the time. (Second account submitted by Pete Harlem) [Taken from vhpa.org]<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal Cushman Castle, Jr. was born May 20, 1945, when his parents lived in the Washington, DC area. Hal’s father graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1943. His mother, prior to her marriage, lived with her family in Chevy Chase, Maryland.<br />
<br />
U.S. City Directories placed the Castle family in Newport, Rhode Island in 1946; Annapolis, Maryland in 1949; and in Norfolk, Virginia in 1959. The 1960 U.S. City Directory listed the Castle residence at 3734 Jocelyn NW, Washington, DC, which was also the home of his mother’s parents. For a time the Castle’s also resided at the Naval base in Dahlgren, Virginia.<br />
<br />
For the most part Hal’s teenage years were spent in Norfolk, Virginia where he graduated from the Norfolk Academy. A family friend indicated that back then he was referred to as “Chip”. In 1967 Hal graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and married Julie A. Fink, his high school sweetheart. She was the daughter of Rev. Harold Hanger and Evelyn (nee Williams) Fink.<br />
<br />
Hal followed in his father’s footsteps and was a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. Lieutenant Junior Grade Castle began his tour in Southeast Asia in February 1969, assigned to the Helicopter Attack Squadron 3, Detachment 3, where he piloted a UH-1B (Huey) Helicopter. On April 28, 1969, LTJG Hal C. Castle, Jr. was killed-in-action when his helicopter was shot down by hostile fire on the Vam Co Tay River near or in Cambodia. The remains of Hal and fellow crewmen were turned over by Cambodia authorities to U.S. representatives on February 20, 1970. Hal is interred at Arlington National Cemetery – Section 12, Grave 4460. His father and grandfather are also buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Hal is represented on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 26W, Line 069.<br />
<br />
The Castle family has a unique distinction. During Vietnam there were four Castles on Active duty - Hal Cushman Castle, Sr. (USNA ‘44), Hal Cushman Castle, Jr. (USNA ‘67), Bill Castle, (NROTC Univ of Virginia ‘69), and Christopher H. Castle, (USNA ‘72).<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
During his time at Norfolk Academy, Chip played football, soccer and baseball. He was also elected President of the Park Place Methodist Fellowship.<br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49165143 has a memorial in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Castle 1.jpg|link=http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
Charles "Skip" Cannady '67 on May 27, 2020:<br />
<blockquote><br />
As members of the 35th company, tucked away on the third deck of the eighth wing, we were as far away from the main office as we could be. That led to some interesting activities with little chance of being apprehended and placed on report. My roommate, Frank Rook, had purchased fifty feet of dynamite fuse, so we decided to play a joke on Hal. We used an empty roll of toilet paper tube to fashion a fake <br />
bomb. Stuffing it with some rags to add weight, we taped the ends and stuck a piece of fuse in the middle. Hal was at his desk studying as we lit the fuse and rolled our fake bomb under his chair and ran. We entered his room a few minutes later as Hal was at the sink tearing our bomb apart under water. He said that he knew it was fake all along. He had thrown a blanket over it as it rolled into his room. Little did we know that two years later, he would lose his life in Vietnam. He and his wife, Julie, were good friends. I think of him on 28 April and every Memorial Day. A good man lost way too soon.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR Wall of Faces]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Chip and I were in Pensacola for 2nd class Summer flight orientation. I remember his calm enthusiasm for flying. I was deeply saddened by news of his death, which came before my my three tours on the ground and waterways of Vietnam, with super Seawolf support in the Rung Sat Special Zone.<br />
<br />
God bless you and your family Chip.<br />
<br />
Prayers,<br/><br />
Bill Applegate, USNA '67 7th co<br />
<cite>BILL APPLEGATE, WGAPPLEGATE@GMAIL.COM, 5/25/15</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
'''Long ago and far away'''<br />
<br />
I arrived at HAL-3, Det 3 in April of 1969. I met Hal on arrival and he was the one who first showed me around and was helping me to get oriented. I only knew him for a very short time but liked him from the first day. Couldn't believe it when it all happened. Before my first combat flight, I was one of those who had the sad duty of packing up his personal effects to be shipped home. Those kind of memories you never forget. Rest in peace, sir.<br />
<cite>BRUCE WATTS, HAL-3, DET 3, APRIL '69 TO APRIL '70, 4/25/15</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
[[File:1967 Castle 2.jpg|right|350px|link=http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR]]<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal "Chip" Castle, Jr. was my dad's (Bill's) older brother, killed five years before I was born. Their dad (my grandfather, USNA '44), and his three sons (Chip, USNA '67; Bill, University of Virginia NROTC '69; and Chris, USNA '72) all served in Vietnam. I never served in uniform, but passed (along with my father) Chip's memory and our family's naval service to my own son, Riley (USNA '16), who has followed in Chip's, as well as his other great-uncle's and great-grandfather's, footsteps to the USNA. Chip's memory will always be remembered and honored by our family, even by those of us who never had the privilege of knowing him. [Riley had a friend take the attached picture while visiting D.C. last Spring.]<br />
<cite>BILL CASTLE, JR., 11/1/13</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal's youngest brother, Chris, and I were classmates from the Naval Academy - Class of 1972. Hal graduated from the Academy with the Class of 1967. He was lost in VN during our plebe year - 1969. We were all saddened for Chris and his family. Hal was a Huey pilot - my recollection is that he was lost in Cambodia during Nixon's secret war. His remains were not returned for sometime, as I recall, and then were interred at Arlington.<br />
<br />
Should anyone visit the US Naval Academy and tour the Academy's museum, you will notice a display of all the class rings. If you look closely at the ring from the Class of 1967, you will see that it belongs to Hal - donated to the Academy by his family.<br />
<br />
The Castle family have a unique distinction. During Vietnam there were four Castles on Active duty - Hal Cushman Castle, Sr.(USNA Class of 1944), Hal Cushman Castle, Jr.(USNA Class of 1967), Bill Castle, (NROTC Univ of Virginia Class of 1969), and my classmate, Christopher H. Castle, (USNA Class of 1972).<br />
<br />
Rest in Peace.<br />
<cite>ALLEN SZIGETY, ALLEN.SZIGETY@NCR.COM, 6/21/99</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[JOHN R. MARTIN, LTJG, USN|John Martin '67]] and [[MICHAEL J. SMITH, CAPT, USN|Michael Smith '67]] were also in 35th Company.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Hal|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=JOSEPH T. JOHNSON, LTJG, USN|PreviousPersonName=Joseph Johnson '67|NextPersonLink=GARY E. HOLTZCLAW, 1LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Gary Holtzclaw '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 35th Company|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:US Navy|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Helicopter|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) (HA(L)) 3|Castle]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=HAL CUSHMAN CASTLE, JR.}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=HAL_C._CASTLE,_JR.,_LTJG,_USN&diff=186937HAL C. CASTLE, JR., LTJG, USN2024-01-11T00:49:41Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */ destination of link changed, fixed</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=May 20, 1945|DoD=April 28, 1969|Age=23|name_class=Hal Castle, Jr. '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Castle LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=HAL CUSHMAN CASTLE, JR.<br />
|LBHometown=Norfolk, Virginia<br />
|LBText=A second generation midshipman, Hal hails from Norfolk, Virginia. At the Academy, he was an important asset to both the company soccer and fieldball teams. Second to his OAO his main interest is the naval profession and professional knowledge. Hal was active on the Reception Committee and always had an extra team for you to drag if you didn't have anything else to do. Hal's goals for a naval career are as high as a Phantom can carry him. With his great attitude and aptitude for the Naval Service, Hal will go far and do well as an officer in the Navy.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Hal was killed in action on April 28, 1969 when the helicopter gunship he was copiloting was shot down near Mor Hoa, South Vietnam.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From the July-August 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt(jg) Castle was born in Washington, D. C, attended Norfolk Academy and was graduated from the Naval Academy in 1967. He had flight training at Pensacola, Fla., and was designated a naval aviator in Nov. 1968. After further training, Lt.(jg) Castle reported to Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three at Vung Tau, Vietnam, in March.<br />
<br />
He is survived by his widow Julia of Danville, Va.; his parents Capt. Hal C. Castle Sr., USN '44, and Mrs. Castle of Norfolk, Va.; two brothers William of the University of Virginia and Christopher, USNA '72; a sister Katherine of Mary Washington College; his maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. W. V. Shelton of Washington, and his paternal grandmother Mrs. Helen M. Castle of San Gabriel, Calif.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR?page=2#remembrances Wall of Faces]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Crew members included LJG Richard J. Reardon (KIA), AO3 Michael E. Schafernocker (KIA), LJG Hal C. Castle Jr. (KIA), and AN James B. Page Jr. (Rescued). There are two accounts of the crash involving U.S. Navy helicopter UH-1 tail number 63-08603. <br />
<br />
FIRST ACCOUNT: LTJG Richard J. Reardon was a pilot assigned to Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3, Detachment 3 'Seawolves' in Vietnam. He flew the UH1B 'Huey' attack helicopter gunship with his co-pilot LJG Hal C. Castle, and two enlisted gunners. On April 28, 1969 the Detachment 3 fire team was based at the Special Forces Camp, Moc Hoa, and sent on a patrol of the Vam Co Tay River. This location is in Kien Tuong Province, right on the Cambodian border. The river was notorious as a Viet Cong infiltration route and a large number of abandoned sampans were targeted. During the attack run, intense enemy fire was encountered and suppression fire was called for. LJG Reardon was seen to impact in a near-vertical crash and become engulfed in flames. One enlisted crewman was either thrown from or crawled clear of the wreckage and was later rescued by the lead helicopter only after engaging heavy ground fire. With the crash circumstances as they were, and the visual consensus of other helicopter crews in the flight, there was little to no likelihood that anyone else could have survived. The crew, including Reardon, was listed Killed in Action. In later recovery attempts, the remains of two crewmembers, including Castle's, were recovered. Reardon's remains were [recovered in 2003]. <br />
<br />
SECOND ACCOUNT: The Seawolves did lose a Huey on this day. It was from Detachment 3 and was Seawolf 320, a UH-1B or C. While operating inside Cambodia it was hit by heavy auto weapons fire and crashed. Killed in the crash were the pilot, LTJG Richard Reardon, the copilot, LTJG Hal Castle, and the gunner, AO3 Michael E Schafernocker. The crew chief, AN James B. Page, Jr. was severely injured. The second team member, Seawolf 305 was hit in the engine oil system and made a forced landing near the wreck of Seawolf 320. They recovered Page under fire and held out to be picked up by a slick from the 175th AHC, Outlaw 29, after several attempted landings. While taking off, the pilot of Seawolf 305 was shot by ground fire and killed. He was LJG Joseph F. Hart. A crewman observer also rescued (AN Charles Larsen) was seriously wounded on take-off as well. Location of this incident was approximately Grid XS153986. The bodies of LtJg Castle and AO3 Schafernocker and a third body were returned by Cambodian officials on 20 Feb 70. The third body was not identified at the time. (Second account submitted by Pete Harlem) [Taken from vhpa.org]<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal Cushman Castle, Jr. was born May 20, 1945, when his parents lived in the Washington, DC area. Hal’s father graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1943. His mother, prior to her marriage, lived with her family in Chevy Chase, Maryland.<br />
<br />
U.S. City Directories placed the Castle family in Newport, Rhode Island in 1946; Annapolis, Maryland in 1949; and in Norfolk, Virginia in 1959. The 1960 U.S. City Directory listed the Castle residence at 3734 Jocelyn NW, Washington, DC, which was also the home of his mother’s parents. For a time the Castle’s also resided at the Naval base in Dahlgren, Virginia.<br />
<br />
For the most part Hal’s teenage years were spent in Norfolk, Virginia where he graduated from the Norfolk Academy. A family friend indicated that back then he was referred to as “Chip”. In 1967 Hal graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and married Julie A. Fink, his high school sweetheart. She was the daughter of Rev. Harold Hanger and Evelyn (nee Williams) Fink.<br />
<br />
Hal followed in his father’s footsteps and was a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. Lieutenant Junior Grade Castle began his tour in Southeast Asia in February 1969, assigned to the Helicopter Attack Squadron 3, Detachment 3, where he piloted a UH-1B (Huey) Helicopter. On April 28, 1969, LTJG Hal C. Castle, Jr. was killed-in-action when his helicopter was shot down by hostile fire on the Vam Co Tay River near or in Cambodia. The remains of Hal and fellow crewmen were turned over by Cambodia authorities to U.S. representatives on February 20, 1970. Hal is interred at Arlington National Cemetery – Section 12, Grave 4460. His father and grandfather are also buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Hal is represented on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 26W, Line 069.<br />
<br />
The Castle family has a unique distinction. During Vietnam there were four Castles on Active duty - Hal Cushman Castle, Sr. (USNA ‘44), Hal Cushman Castle, Jr. (USNA ‘67), Bill Castle, (NROTC Univ of Virginia ‘69), and Christopher H. Castle, (USNA ‘72).<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49165143 has a memorial in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Castle 1.jpg|link=http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
Charles "Skip" Cannady '67 on May 27, 2020:<br />
<blockquote><br />
As members of the 35th company, tucked away on the third deck of the eighth wing, we were as far away from the main office as we could be. That led to some interesting activities with little chance of being apprehended and placed on report. My roommate, Frank Rook, had purchased fifty feet of dynamite fuse, so we decided to play a joke on Hal. We used an empty roll of toilet paper tube to fashion a fake <br />
bomb. Stuffing it with some rags to add weight, we taped the ends and stuck a piece of fuse in the middle. Hal was at his desk studying as we lit the fuse and rolled our fake bomb under his chair and ran. We entered his room a few minutes later as Hal was at the sink tearing our bomb apart under water. He said that he knew it was fake all along. He had thrown a blanket over it as it rolled into his room. Little did we know that two years later, he would lose his life in Vietnam. He and his wife, Julie, were good friends. I think of him on 28 April and every Memorial Day. A good man lost way too soon.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR Wall of Faces]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Chip and I were in Pensacola for 2nd class Summer flight orientation. I remember his calm enthusiasm for flying. I was deeply saddened by news of his death, which came before my my three tours on the ground and waterways of Vietnam, with super Seawolf support in the Rung Sat Special Zone.<br />
<br />
God bless you and your family Chip.<br />
<br />
Prayers,<br/><br />
Bill Applegate, USNA '67 7th co<br />
<cite>BILL APPLEGATE, WGAPPLEGATE@GMAIL.COM, 5/25/15</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
'''Long ago and far away'''<br />
<br />
I arrived at HAL-3, Det 3 in April of 1969. I met Hal on arrival and he was the one who first showed me around and was helping me to get oriented. I only knew him for a very short time but liked him from the first day. Couldn't believe it when it all happened. Before my first combat flight, I was one of those who had the sad duty of packing up his personal effects to be shipped home. Those kind of memories you never forget. Rest in peace, sir.<br />
<cite>BRUCE WATTS, HAL-3, DET 3, APRIL '69 TO APRIL '70, 4/25/15</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
[[File:1967 Castle 2.jpg|right|350px|link=http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR]]<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal "Chip" Castle, Jr. was my dad's (Bill's) older brother, killed five years before I was born. Their dad (my grandfather, USNA '44), and his three sons (Chip, USNA '67; Bill, University of Virginia NROTC '69; and Chris, USNA '72) all served in Vietnam. I never served in uniform, but passed (along with my father) Chip's memory and our family's naval service to my own son, Riley (USNA '16), who has followed in Chip's, as well as his other great-uncle's and great-grandfather's, footsteps to the USNA. Chip's memory will always be remembered and honored by our family, even by those of us who never had the privilege of knowing him. [Riley had a friend take the attached picture while visiting D.C. last Spring.]<br />
<cite>BILL CASTLE, JR., 11/1/13</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal's youngest brother, Chris, and I were classmates from the Naval Academy - Class of 1972. Hal graduated from the Academy with the Class of 1967. He was lost in VN during our plebe year - 1969. We were all saddened for Chris and his family. Hal was a Huey pilot - my recollection is that he was lost in Cambodia during Nixon's secret war. His remains were not returned for sometime, as I recall, and then were interred at Arlington.<br />
<br />
Should anyone visit the US Naval Academy and tour the Academy's museum, you will notice a display of all the class rings. If you look closely at the ring from the Class of 1967, you will see that it belongs to Hal - donated to the Academy by his family.<br />
<br />
The Castle family have a unique distinction. During Vietnam there were four Castles on Active duty - Hal Cushman Castle, Sr.(USNA Class of 1944), Hal Cushman Castle, Jr.(USNA Class of 1967), Bill Castle, (NROTC Univ of Virginia Class of 1969), and my classmate, Christopher H. Castle, (USNA Class of 1972).<br />
<br />
Rest in Peace.<br />
<cite>ALLEN SZIGETY, ALLEN.SZIGETY@NCR.COM, 6/21/99</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[JOHN R. MARTIN, LTJG, USN|John Martin '67]] and [[MICHAEL J. SMITH, CAPT, USN|Michael Smith '67]] were also in 35th Company.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Hal|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=JOSEPH T. JOHNSON, LTJG, USN|PreviousPersonName=Joseph Johnson '67|NextPersonLink=GARY E. HOLTZCLAW, 1LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Gary Holtzclaw '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 35th Company|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:US Navy|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Helicopter|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) (HA(L)) 3|Castle]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=HAL CUSHMAN CASTLE, JR.}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=HAL_C._CASTLE,_JR.,_LTJG,_USN&diff=186936HAL C. CASTLE, JR., LTJG, USN2024-01-11T00:48:23Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=May 20, 1945|DoD=April 28, 1969|Age=23|name_class=Hal Castle, Jr. '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Castle LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=HAL CUSHMAN CASTLE, JR.<br />
|LBHometown=Norfolk, Virginia<br />
|LBText=A second generation midshipman, Hal hails from Norfolk, Virginia. At the Academy, he was an important asset to both the company soccer and fieldball teams. Second to his OAO his main interest is the naval profession and professional knowledge. Hal was active on the Reception Committee and always had an extra team for you to drag if you didn't have anything else to do. Hal's goals for a naval career are as high as a Phantom can carry him. With his great attitude and aptitude for the Naval Service, Hal will go far and do well as an officer in the Navy.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Hal was killed in action on April 28, 1969 when the helicopter gunship he was copiloting was shot down near Mor Hoa, South Vietnam.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From the July-August 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt(jg) Castle was born in Washington, D. C, attended Norfolk Academy and was graduated from the Naval Academy in 1967. He had flight training at Pensacola, Fla., and was designated a naval aviator in Nov. 1968. After further training, Lt.(jg) Castle reported to Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three at Vung Tau, Vietnam, in March.<br />
<br />
He is survived by his widow Julia of Danville, Va.; his parents Capt. Hal C. Castle Sr., USN '44, and Mrs. Castle of Norfolk, Va.; two brothers William of the University of Virginia and Christopher, USNA '72; a sister Katherine of Mary Washington College; his maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. W. V. Shelton of Washington, and his paternal grandmother Mrs. Helen M. Castle of San Gabriel, Calif.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR?page=2#remembrances Wall of Faces]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Crew members included LJG Richard J. Reardon (KIA), AO3 Michael E. Schafernocker (KIA), LJG Hal C. Castle Jr. (KIA), and AN James B. Page Jr. (Rescued). There are two accounts of the crash involving U.S. Navy helicopter UH-1 tail number 63-08603. <br />
<br />
FIRST ACCOUNT: LTJG Richard J. Reardon was a pilot assigned to Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3, Detachment 3 'Seawolves' in Vietnam. He flew the UH1B 'Huey' attack helicopter gunship with his co-pilot LJG Hal C. Castle, and two enlisted gunners. On April 28, 1969 the Detachment 3 fire team was based at the Special Forces Camp, Moc Hoa, and sent on a patrol of the Vam Co Tay River. This location is in Kien Tuong Province, right on the Cambodian border. The river was notorious as a Viet Cong infiltration route and a large number of abandoned sampans were targeted. During the attack run, intense enemy fire was encountered and suppression fire was called for. LJG Reardon was seen to impact in a near-vertical crash and become engulfed in flames. One enlisted crewman was either thrown from or crawled clear of the wreckage and was later rescued by the lead helicopter only after engaging heavy ground fire. With the crash circumstances as they were, and the visual consensus of other helicopter crews in the flight, there was little to no likelihood that anyone else could have survived. The crew, including Reardon, was listed Killed in Action. In later recovery attempts, the remains of two crewmembers, including Castle's, were recovered. Reardon's remains were [recovered in 2003]. <br />
<br />
SECOND ACCOUNT: The Seawolves did lose a Huey on this day. It was from Detachment 3 and was Seawolf 320, a UH-1B or C. While operating inside Cambodia it was hit by heavy auto weapons fire and crashed. Killed in the crash were the pilot, LTJG Richard Reardon, the copilot, LTJG Hal Castle, and the gunner, AO3 Michael E Schafernocker. The crew chief, AN James B. Page, Jr. was severely injured. The second team member, Seawolf 305 was hit in the engine oil system and made a forced landing near the wreck of Seawolf 320. They recovered Page under fire and held out to be picked up by a slick from the 175th AHC, Outlaw 29, after several attempted landings. While taking off, the pilot of Seawolf 305 was shot by ground fire and killed. He was LJG Joseph F. Hart. A crewman observer also rescued (AN Charles Larsen) was seriously wounded on take-off as well. Location of this incident was approximately Grid XS153986. The bodies of LtJg Castle and AO3 Schafernocker and a third body were returned by Cambodian officials on 20 Feb 70. The third body was not identified at the time. (Second account submitted by Pete Harlem) [Taken from vhpa.org]<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal Cushman Castle, Jr. was born May 20, 1945, when his parents lived in the Washington, DC area. Hal’s father graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1943. His mother, prior to her marriage, lived with her family in Chevy Chase, Maryland.<br />
<br />
U.S. City Directories placed the Castle family in Newport, Rhode Island in 1946; Annapolis, Maryland in 1949; and in Norfolk, Virginia in 1959. The 1960 U.S. City Directory listed the Castle residence at 3734 Jocelyn NW, Washington, DC, which was also the home of his mother’s parents. For a time the Castle’s also resided at the Naval base in Dahlgren, Virginia.<br />
<br />
For the most part Hal’s teenage years were spent in Norfolk, Virginia where he graduated from the Norfolk Academy. A family friend indicated that back then he was referred to as “Chip”. In 1967 Hal graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and married Julie A. Fink, his high school sweetheart. She was the daughter of Rev. Harold Hanger and Evelyn (nee Williams) Fink.<br />
<br />
Hal followed in his father’s footsteps and was a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. Lieutenant Junior Grade Castle began his tour in Southeast Asia in February 1969, assigned to the Helicopter Attack Squadron 3, Detachment 3, where he piloted a UH-1B (Huey) Helicopter. On April 28, 1969, LTJG Hal C. Castle, Jr. was killed-in-action when his helicopter was shot down by hostile fire on the Vam Co Tay River near or in Cambodia. The remains of Hal and fellow crewmen were turned over by Cambodia authorities to U.S. representatives on February 20, 1970. Hal is interred at Arlington National Cemetery – Section 12, Grave 4460. His father and grandfather are also buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Hal is represented on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 26W, Line 069.<br />
<br />
The Castle family has a unique distinction. During Vietnam there were four Castles on Active duty - Hal Cushman Castle, Sr. (USNA ‘44), Hal Cushman Castle, Jr. (USNA ‘67), Bill Castle, (NROTC Univ of Virginia ‘69), and Christopher H. Castle, (USNA ‘72).<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49165143/hal-cushman-castle has a memorial in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Castle 1.jpg|link=http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
Charles "Skip" Cannady '67 on May 27, 2020:<br />
<blockquote><br />
As members of the 35th company, tucked away on the third deck of the eighth wing, we were as far away from the main office as we could be. That led to some interesting activities with little chance of being apprehended and placed on report. My roommate, Frank Rook, had purchased fifty feet of dynamite fuse, so we decided to play a joke on Hal. We used an empty roll of toilet paper tube to fashion a fake <br />
bomb. Stuffing it with some rags to add weight, we taped the ends and stuck a piece of fuse in the middle. Hal was at his desk studying as we lit the fuse and rolled our fake bomb under his chair and ran. We entered his room a few minutes later as Hal was at the sink tearing our bomb apart under water. He said that he knew it was fake all along. He had thrown a blanket over it as it rolled into his room. Little did we know that two years later, he would lose his life in Vietnam. He and his wife, Julie, were good friends. I think of him on 28 April and every Memorial Day. A good man lost way too soon.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR Wall of Faces]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Chip and I were in Pensacola for 2nd class Summer flight orientation. I remember his calm enthusiasm for flying. I was deeply saddened by news of his death, which came before my my three tours on the ground and waterways of Vietnam, with super Seawolf support in the Rung Sat Special Zone.<br />
<br />
God bless you and your family Chip.<br />
<br />
Prayers,<br/><br />
Bill Applegate, USNA '67 7th co<br />
<cite>BILL APPLEGATE, WGAPPLEGATE@GMAIL.COM, 5/25/15</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
'''Long ago and far away'''<br />
<br />
I arrived at HAL-3, Det 3 in April of 1969. I met Hal on arrival and he was the one who first showed me around and was helping me to get oriented. I only knew him for a very short time but liked him from the first day. Couldn't believe it when it all happened. Before my first combat flight, I was one of those who had the sad duty of packing up his personal effects to be shipped home. Those kind of memories you never forget. Rest in peace, sir.<br />
<cite>BRUCE WATTS, HAL-3, DET 3, APRIL '69 TO APRIL '70, 4/25/15</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
[[File:1967 Castle 2.jpg|right|350px|link=http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR]]<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal "Chip" Castle, Jr. was my dad's (Bill's) older brother, killed five years before I was born. Their dad (my grandfather, USNA '44), and his three sons (Chip, USNA '67; Bill, University of Virginia NROTC '69; and Chris, USNA '72) all served in Vietnam. I never served in uniform, but passed (along with my father) Chip's memory and our family's naval service to my own son, Riley (USNA '16), who has followed in Chip's, as well as his other great-uncle's and great-grandfather's, footsteps to the USNA. Chip's memory will always be remembered and honored by our family, even by those of us who never had the privilege of knowing him. [Riley had a friend take the attached picture while visiting D.C. last Spring.]<br />
<cite>BILL CASTLE, JR., 11/1/13</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal's youngest brother, Chris, and I were classmates from the Naval Academy - Class of 1972. Hal graduated from the Academy with the Class of 1967. He was lost in VN during our plebe year - 1969. We were all saddened for Chris and his family. Hal was a Huey pilot - my recollection is that he was lost in Cambodia during Nixon's secret war. His remains were not returned for sometime, as I recall, and then were interred at Arlington.<br />
<br />
Should anyone visit the US Naval Academy and tour the Academy's museum, you will notice a display of all the class rings. If you look closely at the ring from the Class of 1967, you will see that it belongs to Hal - donated to the Academy by his family.<br />
<br />
The Castle family have a unique distinction. During Vietnam there were four Castles on Active duty - Hal Cushman Castle, Sr.(USNA Class of 1944), Hal Cushman Castle, Jr.(USNA Class of 1967), Bill Castle, (NROTC Univ of Virginia Class of 1969), and my classmate, Christopher H. Castle, (USNA Class of 1972).<br />
<br />
Rest in Peace.<br />
<cite>ALLEN SZIGETY, ALLEN.SZIGETY@NCR.COM, 6/21/99</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[JOHN R. MARTIN, LTJG, USN|John Martin '67]] and [[MICHAEL J. SMITH, CAPT, USN|Michael Smith '67]] were also in 35th Company.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Hal|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=JOSEPH T. JOHNSON, LTJG, USN|PreviousPersonName=Joseph Johnson '67|NextPersonLink=GARY E. HOLTZCLAW, 1LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Gary Holtzclaw '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 35th Company|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:US Navy|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Helicopter|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) (HA(L)) 3|Castle]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=HAL CUSHMAN CASTLE, JR.}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=HAL_C._CASTLE,_JR.,_LTJG,_USN&diff=186935HAL C. CASTLE, JR., LTJG, USN2024-01-11T00:43:48Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=May 20, 1945|DoD=April 28, 1969|Age=23|name_class=Hal Castle, Jr. '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Castle LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=HAL CUSHMAN CASTLE, JR.<br />
|LBHometown=Norfolk, Virginia<br />
|LBText=A second generation midshipman, Hal hails from Norfolk, Virginia. At the Academy, he was an important asset to both the company soccer and fieldball teams. Second to his OAO his main interest is the naval profession and professional knowledge. Hal was active on the Reception Committee and always had an extra team for you to drag if you didn't have anything else to do. Hal's goals for a naval career are as high as a Phantom can carry him. With his great attitude and aptitude for the Naval Service, Hal will go far and do well as an officer in the Navy.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Hal was killed in action on April 28, 1969 when the helicopter gunship he was copiloting was shot down near Mor Hoa, South Vietnam.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From the July-August 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt(jg) Castle was born in Washington, D. C, attended Norfolk Academy and was graduated from the Naval Academy in 1967. He had flight training at Pensacola, Fla., and was designated a naval aviator in Nov. 1968. After further training, Lt.(jg) Castle reported to Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three at Vung Tau, Vietnam, in March.<br />
<br />
He is survived by his widow Julia of Danville, Va.; his parents Capt. Hal C. Castle Sr., USN '44, and Mrs. Castle of Norfolk, Va.; two brothers William of the University of Virginia and Christopher, USNA '72; a sister Katherine of Mary Washington College; his maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. W. V. Shelton of Washington, and his paternal grandmother Mrs. Helen M. Castle of San Gabriel, Calif.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR?page=2#remembrances Wall of Faces]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Crew members included LJG Richard J. Reardon (KIA), AO3 Michael E. Schafernocker (KIA), LJG Hal C. Castle Jr. (KIA), and AN James B. Page Jr. (Rescued). There are two accounts of the crash involving U.S. Navy helicopter UH-1 tail number 63-08603. <br />
<br />
FIRST ACCOUNT: LTJG Richard J. Reardon was a pilot assigned to Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3, Detachment 3 'Seawolves' in Vietnam. He flew the UH1B 'Huey' attack helicopter gunship with his co-pilot LJG Hal C. Castle, and two enlisted gunners. On April 28, 1969 the Detachment 3 fire team was based at the Special Forces Camp, Moc Hoa, and sent on a patrol of the Vam Co Tay River. This location is in Kien Tuong Province, right on the Cambodian border. The river was notorious as a Viet Cong infiltration route and a large number of abandoned sampans were targeted. During the attack run, intense enemy fire was encountered and suppression fire was called for. LJG Reardon was seen to impact in a near-vertical crash and become engulfed in flames. One enlisted crewman was either thrown from or crawled clear of the wreckage and was later rescued by the lead helicopter only after engaging heavy ground fire. With the crash circumstances as they were, and the visual consensus of other helicopter crews in the flight, there was little to no likelihood that anyone else could have survived. The crew, including Reardon, was listed Killed in Action. In later recovery attempts, the remains of two crewmembers, including Castle's, were recovered. Reardon's remains were [recovered in 2003]. <br />
<br />
SECOND ACCOUNT: The Seawolves did lose a Huey on this day. It was from Detachment 3 and was Seawolf 320, a UH-1B or C. While operating inside Cambodia it was hit by heavy auto weapons fire and crashed. Killed in the crash were the pilot, LTJG Richard Reardon, the copilot, LTJG Hal Castle, and the gunner, AO3 Michael E Schafernocker. The crew chief, AN James B. Page, Jr. was severely injured. The second team member, Seawolf 305 was hit in the engine oil system and made a forced landing near the wreck of Seawolf 320. They recovered Page under fire and held out to be picked up by a slick from the 175th AHC, Outlaw 29, after several attempted landings. While taking off, the pilot of Seawolf 305 was shot by ground fire and killed. He was LJG Joseph F. Hart. A crewman observer also rescued (AN Charles Larsen) was seriously wounded on take-off as well. Location of this incident was approximately Grid XS153986. The bodies of LtJg Castle and AO3 Schafernocker and a third body were returned by Cambodian officials on 20 Feb 70. The third body was not identified at the time. (Second account submitted by Pete Harlem) [Taken from vhpa.org]<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal Cushman Castle, Jr. was born May 20, 1945, when his parents lived in the Washington, DC area. Hal’s father graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1943. His mother, prior to her marriage, lived with her family in Chevy Chase, Maryland.<br />
<br />
U.S. City Directories placed the Castle family in Newport, Rhode Island in 1946; Annapolis, Maryland in 1949; and in Norfolk, Virginia in 1959. The 1960 U.S. City Directory listed the Castle residence at 3734 Jocelyn NW, Washington, DC, which was also the home of his mother’s parents. For a time the Castle’s also resided at the Naval base in Dahlgren, Virginia.<br />
<br />
For the most part Hal’s teenage years were spent in Norfolk, Virginia where he graduated from the Norfolk Academy. A family friend indicated that back then he was referred to as “Chip”. In 1967 Hal graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and married Julie A. Fink, his high school sweetheart. She was the daughter of Rev. Harold Hanger and Evelyn (nee Williams) Fink.<br />
<br />
Hal followed in his father’s footsteps and was a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. Lieutenant Junior Grade Castle began his tour in Southeast Asia in February 1969, assigned to the Helicopter Attack Squadron 3, Detachment 3, where he piloted a UH-1B (Huey) Helicopter. On April 28, 1969, LTJG Hal C. Castle, Jr. was killed-in-action when his helicopter was shot down by hostile fire on the Vam Co Tay River near or in Cambodia. The remains of Hal and fellow crewmen were turned over by Cambodia authorities to U.S. representatives on February 20, 1970. Hal is interred at Arlington National Cemetery – Section 12, Grave 4460. His father and grandfather are also buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Hal is represented on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 26W, Line 069.<br />
<br />
The Castle family has a unique distinction. During Vietnam there were four Castles on Active duty - Hal Cushman Castle, Sr. (USNA ‘44), Hal Cushman Castle, Jr. (USNA ‘67), Bill Castle, (NROTC Univ of Virginia ‘69), and Christopher H. Castle, (USNA ‘72).<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/122325462 has a memorial in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Castle 1.jpg|link=http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
Charles "Skip" Cannady '67 on May 27, 2020:<br />
<blockquote><br />
As members of the 35th company, tucked away on the third deck of the eighth wing, we were as far away from the main office as we could be. That led to some interesting activities with little chance of being apprehended and placed on report. My roommate, Frank Rook, had purchased fifty feet of dynamite fuse, so we decided to play a joke on Hal. We used an empty roll of toilet paper tube to fashion a fake <br />
bomb. Stuffing it with some rags to add weight, we taped the ends and stuck a piece of fuse in the middle. Hal was at his desk studying as we lit the fuse and rolled our fake bomb under his chair and ran. We entered his room a few minutes later as Hal was at the sink tearing our bomb apart under water. He said that he knew it was fake all along. He had thrown a blanket over it as it rolled into his room. Little did we know that two years later, he would lose his life in Vietnam. He and his wife, Julie, were good friends. I think of him on 28 April and every Memorial Day. A good man lost way too soon.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR Wall of Faces]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Chip and I were in Pensacola for 2nd class Summer flight orientation. I remember his calm enthusiasm for flying. I was deeply saddened by news of his death, which came before my my three tours on the ground and waterways of Vietnam, with super Seawolf support in the Rung Sat Special Zone.<br />
<br />
God bless you and your family Chip.<br />
<br />
Prayers,<br/><br />
Bill Applegate, USNA '67 7th co<br />
<cite>BILL APPLEGATE, WGAPPLEGATE@GMAIL.COM, 5/25/15</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
'''Long ago and far away'''<br />
<br />
I arrived at HAL-3, Det 3 in April of 1969. I met Hal on arrival and he was the one who first showed me around and was helping me to get oriented. I only knew him for a very short time but liked him from the first day. Couldn't believe it when it all happened. Before my first combat flight, I was one of those who had the sad duty of packing up his personal effects to be shipped home. Those kind of memories you never forget. Rest in peace, sir.<br />
<cite>BRUCE WATTS, HAL-3, DET 3, APRIL '69 TO APRIL '70, 4/25/15</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
[[File:1967 Castle 2.jpg|right|350px|link=http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR]]<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal "Chip" Castle, Jr. was my dad's (Bill's) older brother, killed five years before I was born. Their dad (my grandfather, USNA '44), and his three sons (Chip, USNA '67; Bill, University of Virginia NROTC '69; and Chris, USNA '72) all served in Vietnam. I never served in uniform, but passed (along with my father) Chip's memory and our family's naval service to my own son, Riley (USNA '16), who has followed in Chip's, as well as his other great-uncle's and great-grandfather's, footsteps to the USNA. Chip's memory will always be remembered and honored by our family, even by those of us who never had the privilege of knowing him. [Riley had a friend take the attached picture while visiting D.C. last Spring.]<br />
<cite>BILL CASTLE, JR., 11/1/13</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal's youngest brother, Chris, and I were classmates from the Naval Academy - Class of 1972. Hal graduated from the Academy with the Class of 1967. He was lost in VN during our plebe year - 1969. We were all saddened for Chris and his family. Hal was a Huey pilot - my recollection is that he was lost in Cambodia during Nixon's secret war. His remains were not returned for sometime, as I recall, and then were interred at Arlington.<br />
<br />
Should anyone visit the US Naval Academy and tour the Academy's museum, you will notice a display of all the class rings. If you look closely at the ring from the Class of 1967, you will see that it belongs to Hal - donated to the Academy by his family.<br />
<br />
The Castle family have a unique distinction. During Vietnam there were four Castles on Active duty - Hal Cushman Castle, Sr.(USNA Class of 1944), Hal Cushman Castle, Jr.(USNA Class of 1967), Bill Castle, (NROTC Univ of Virginia Class of 1969), and my classmate, Christopher H. Castle, (USNA Class of 1972).<br />
<br />
Rest in Peace.<br />
<cite>ALLEN SZIGETY, ALLEN.SZIGETY@NCR.COM, 6/21/99</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[JOHN R. MARTIN, LTJG, USN|John Martin '67]] and [[MICHAEL J. SMITH, CAPT, USN|Michael Smith '67]] were also in 35th Company.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Hal|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=JOSEPH T. JOHNSON, LTJG, USN|PreviousPersonName=Joseph Johnson '67|NextPersonLink=GARY E. HOLTZCLAW, 1LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Gary Holtzclaw '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 35th Company|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:US Navy|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Helicopter|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) (HA(L)) 3|Castle]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=HAL CUSHMAN CASTLE, JR.}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=HAL_C._CASTLE,_JR.,_LTJG,_USN&diff=186934HAL C. CASTLE, JR., LTJG, USN2024-01-11T00:41:41Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=May 20, 1945|DoD=April 28, 1969|Age=23|name_class=Hal Castle, Jr. '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Castle LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=HAL CUSHMAN CASTLE, JR.<br />
|LBHometown=Norfolk, Virginia<br />
|LBText=A second generation midshipman, Hal hails from Norfolk, Virginia. At the Academy, he was an important asset to both the company soccer and fieldball teams. Second to his OAO his main interest is the naval profession and professional knowledge. Hal was active on the Reception Committee and always had an extra team for you to drag if you didn't have anything else to do. Hal's goals for a naval career are as high as a Phantom can carry him. With his great attitude and aptitude for the Naval Service, Hal will go far and do well as an officer in the Navy.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Hal was killed in action on April 28, 1969 when the helicopter gunship he was copiloting was shot down near Mor Hoa, South Vietnam.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From the July-August 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt(jg) Castle was born in Washington, D. C, attended Norfolk Academy and was graduated from the Naval Academy in 1967. He had flight training at Pensacola, Fla., and was designated a naval aviator in Nov. 1968. After further training, Lt.(jg) Castle reported to Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three at Vung Tau, Vietnam, in March.<br />
<br />
He is survived by his widow Julia of Danville, Va.; his parents Capt. Hal C. Castle Sr., USN '44, and Mrs. Castle of Norfolk, Va.; two brothers William of the University of Virginia and Christopher, USNA '72; a sister Katherine of Mary Washington College; his maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. W. V. Shelton of Washington, and his paternal grandmother Mrs. Helen M. Castle of San Gabriel, Calif.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR?page=2#remembrances Wall of Faces]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Crew members included LJG Richard J. Reardon (KIA), AO3 Michael E. Schafernocker (KIA), LJG Hal C. Castle Jr. (KIA), and AN James B. Page Jr. (Rescued). There are two accounts of the crash involving U.S. Navy helicopter UH-1 tail number 63-08603. <br />
<br />
FIRST ACCOUNT: LTJG Richard J. Reardon was a pilot assigned to Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3, Detachment 3 'Seawolves' in Vietnam. He flew the UH1B 'Huey' attack helicopter gunship with his co-pilot LJG Hal C. Castle, and two enlisted gunners. On April 28, 1969 the Detachment 3 fire team was based at the Special Forces Camp, Moc Hoa, and sent on a patrol of the Vam Co Tay River. This location is in Kien Tuong Province, right on the Cambodian border. The river was notorious as a Viet Cong infiltration route and a large number of abandoned sampans were targeted. During the attack run, intense enemy fire was encountered and suppression fire was called for. LJG Reardon was seen to impact in a near-vertical crash and become engulfed in flames. One enlisted crewman was either thrown from or crawled clear of the wreckage and was later rescued by the lead helicopter only after engaging heavy ground fire. With the crash circumstances as they were, and the visual consensus of other helicopter crews in the flight, there was little to no likelihood that anyone else could have survived. The crew, including Reardon, was listed Killed in Action. In later recovery attempts, the remains of two crewmembers, including Castle's, were recovered. Reardon's remains were [recovered in 2003]. <br />
<br />
SECOND ACCOUNT: The Seawolves did lose a Huey on this day. It was from Detachment 3 and was Seawolf 320, a UH-1B or C. While operating inside Cambodia it was hit by heavy auto weapons fire and crashed. Killed in the crash were the pilot, LTJG Richard Reardon, the copilot, LTJG Hal Castle, and the gunner, AO3 Michael E Schafernocker. The crew chief, AN James B. Page, Jr. was severely injured. The second team member, Seawolf 305 was hit in the engine oil system and made a forced landing near the wreck of Seawolf 320. They recovered Page under fire and held out to be picked up by a slick from the 175th AHC, Outlaw 29, after several attempted landings. While taking off, the pilot of Seawolf 305 was shot by ground fire and killed. He was LJG Joseph F. Hart. A crewman observer also rescued (AN Charles Larsen) was seriously wounded on take-off as well. Location of this incident was approximately Grid XS153986. The bodies of LtJg Castle and AO3 Schafernocker and a third body were returned by Cambodian officials on 20 Feb 70. The third body was not identified at the time. (Second account submitted by Pete Harlem) [Taken from vhpa.org]<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal Cushman Castle, Jr. was born May 20, 1945, when his parents lived in the Washington, DC area. Hal’s father graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1943. His mother, prior to her marriage, lived with her family in Chevy Chase, Maryland.<br />
<br />
U.S. City Directories placed the Castle family in Newport, Rhode Island in 1946; Annapolis, Maryland in 1949; and in Norfolk, Virginia in 1959. The 1960 U.S. City Directory listed the Castle residence at 3734 Jocelyn NW, Washington, DC, which was also the home of his mother’s parents. For a time the Castle’s also resided at the Naval base in Dahlgren, Virginia.<br />
<br />
For the most part Hal’s teenage years were spent in Norfolk, Virginia where he graduated from the Norfolk Academy. A family friend indicated that back then he as referred to as “Chip”. In 1967 Hal graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and married Julie A. Fink, his high school sweetheart. She was the daughter of Rev. Harold Hanger and Evelyn (nee Williams) Fink.<br />
<br />
Hal followed in his father’s footsteps and was a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. Lieutenant Junior Grade Castle began his tour in Southeast Asia in February 1969, assigned to the Helicopter Attack Squadron 3, Detachment 3, where he piloted a UH-1B (Huey) Helicopter. On April 28, 1969, LTJG Hal C. Castle, Jr. was killed-in-action when his helicopter was shot down by hostile fire on the Vam Co Tay River near or in Cambodia. The remains of Hal and fellow crewmen were turned over by Cambodia authorities to U.S. representatives on February 20, 1970. Hal is interred at Arlington National Cemetery – Section 12, Grave 4460. His father and grandfather are also buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Hal is represented on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 26W, Line 069.<br />
<br />
The Castle family has a unique distinction. During Vietnam there were four Castles on Active duty - Hal Cushman Castle, Sr. (USNA ‘44), Hal Cushman Castle, Jr. (USNA ‘67), Bill Castle, (NROTC Univ of Virginia ‘69), and Christopher H. Castle, (USNA ‘72).<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/122325462 has a memorial in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Castle 1.jpg|link=http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
Charles "Skip" Cannady '67 on May 27, 2020:<br />
<blockquote><br />
As members of the 35th company, tucked away on the third deck of the eighth wing, we were as far away from the main office as we could be. That led to some interesting activities with little chance of being apprehended and placed on report. My roommate, Frank Rook, had purchased fifty feet of dynamite fuse, so we decided to play a joke on Hal. We used an empty roll of toilet paper tube to fashion a fake <br />
bomb. Stuffing it with some rags to add weight, we taped the ends and stuck a piece of fuse in the middle. Hal was at his desk studying as we lit the fuse and rolled our fake bomb under his chair and ran. We entered his room a few minutes later as Hal was at the sink tearing our bomb apart under water. He said that he knew it was fake all along. He had thrown a blanket over it as it rolled into his room. Little did we know that two years later, he would lose his life in Vietnam. He and his wife, Julie, were good friends. I think of him on 28 April and every Memorial Day. A good man lost way too soon.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR Wall of Faces]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Chip and I were in Pensacola for 2nd class Summer flight orientation. I remember his calm enthusiasm for flying. I was deeply saddened by news of his death, which came before my my three tours on the ground and waterways of Vietnam, with super Seawolf support in the Rung Sat Special Zone.<br />
<br />
God bless you and your family Chip.<br />
<br />
Prayers,<br/><br />
Bill Applegate, USNA '67 7th co<br />
<cite>BILL APPLEGATE, WGAPPLEGATE@GMAIL.COM, 5/25/15</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
'''Long ago and far away'''<br />
<br />
I arrived at HAL-3, Det 3 in April of 1969. I met Hal on arrival and he was the one who first showed me around and was helping me to get oriented. I only knew him for a very short time but liked him from the first day. Couldn't believe it when it all happened. Before my first combat flight, I was one of those who had the sad duty of packing up his personal effects to be shipped home. Those kind of memories you never forget. Rest in peace, sir.<br />
<cite>BRUCE WATTS, HAL-3, DET 3, APRIL '69 TO APRIL '70, 4/25/15</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
[[File:1967 Castle 2.jpg|right|350px|link=http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR]]<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal "Chip" Castle, Jr. was my dad's (Bill's) older brother, killed five years before I was born. Their dad (my grandfather, USNA '44), and his three sons (Chip, USNA '67; Bill, University of Virginia NROTC '69; and Chris, USNA '72) all served in Vietnam. I never served in uniform, but passed (along with my father) Chip's memory and our family's naval service to my own son, Riley (USNA '16), who has followed in Chip's, as well as his other great-uncle's and great-grandfather's, footsteps to the USNA. Chip's memory will always be remembered and honored by our family, even by those of us who never had the privilege of knowing him. [Riley had a friend take the attached picture while visiting D.C. last Spring.]<br />
<cite>BILL CASTLE, JR., 11/1/13</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal's youngest brother, Chris, and I were classmates from the Naval Academy - Class of 1972. Hal graduated from the Academy with the Class of 1967. He was lost in VN during our plebe year - 1969. We were all saddened for Chris and his family. Hal was a Huey pilot - my recollection is that he was lost in Cambodia during Nixon's secret war. His remains were not returned for sometime, as I recall, and then were interred at Arlington.<br />
<br />
Should anyone visit the US Naval Academy and tour the Academy's museum, you will notice a display of all the class rings. If you look closely at the ring from the Class of 1967, you will see that it belongs to Hal - donated to the Academy by his family.<br />
<br />
The Castle family have a unique distinction. During Vietnam there were four Castles on Active duty - Hal Cushman Castle, Sr.(USNA Class of 1944), Hal Cushman Castle, Jr.(USNA Class of 1967), Bill Castle, (NROTC Univ of Virginia Class of 1969), and my classmate, Christopher H. Castle, (USNA Class of 1972).<br />
<br />
Rest in Peace.<br />
<cite>ALLEN SZIGETY, ALLEN.SZIGETY@NCR.COM, 6/21/99</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[JOHN R. MARTIN, LTJG, USN|John Martin '67]] and [[MICHAEL J. SMITH, CAPT, USN|Michael Smith '67]] were also in 35th Company.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Hal|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=JOSEPH T. JOHNSON, LTJG, USN|PreviousPersonName=Joseph Johnson '67|NextPersonLink=GARY E. HOLTZCLAW, 1LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Gary Holtzclaw '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 35th Company|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:US Navy|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Helicopter|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) (HA(L)) 3|Castle]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=HAL CUSHMAN CASTLE, JR.}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=HAL_C._CASTLE,_JR.,_LTJG,_USN&diff=186933HAL C. CASTLE, JR., LTJG, USN2024-01-11T00:39:57Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=May 20, 1945|DoD=April 28, 1969|Age=23|name_class=Hal Castle, Jr. '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Castle LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=HAL CUSHMAN CASTLE, JR.<br />
|LBHometown=Norfolk, Virginia<br />
|LBText=A second generation midshipman, Hal hails from Norfolk, Virginia. At the Academy, he was an important asset to both the company soccer and fieldball teams. Second to his OAO his main interest is the naval profession and professional knowledge. Hal was active on the Reception Committee and always had an extra team for you to drag if you didn't have anything else to do. Hal's goals for a naval career are as high as a Phantom can carry him. With his great attitude and aptitude for the Naval Service, Hal will go far and do well as an officer in the Navy.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Hal was killed in action on April 28, 1969 when the helicopter gunship he was copiloting was shot down near Mor Hoa, South Vietnam.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From the July-August 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt(jg) Castle was born in Washington, D. C, attended Norfolk Academy and was graduated from the Naval Academy in 1967. He had flight training at Pensacola, Fla., and was designated a naval aviator in Nov. 1968. After further training, Lt.(jg) Castle reported to Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three at Vung Tau, Vietnam, in March.<br />
<br />
He is survived by his widow Julia of Danville, Va.; his parents Capt. Hal C. Castle Sr., USN '44, and Mrs. Castle of Norfolk, Va.; two brothers William of the University of Virginia and Christopher, USNA '72; a sister Katherine of Mary Washington College; his maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. W. V. Shelton of Washington, and his paternal grandmother Mrs. Helen M. Castle of San Gabriel, Calif.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR?page=2#remembrances Wall of Faces]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Crew members included LJG Richard J. Reardon (KIA), AO3 Michael E. Schafernocker (KIA), LJG Hal C. Castle Jr. (KIA), and AN James B. Page Jr. (Rescued). There are two accounts of the crash involving U.S. Navy helicopter UH-1 tail number 63-08603. <br />
<br />
FIRST ACCOUNT: LTJG Richard J. Reardon was a pilot assigned to Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3, Detachment 3 'Seawolves' in Vietnam. He flew the UH1B 'Huey' attack helicopter gunship with his co-pilot LJG Hal C. Castle, and two enlisted gunners. On April 28, 1969 the Detachment 3 fire team was based at the Special Forces Camp, Moc Hoa, and sent on a patrol of the Vam Co Tay River. This location is in Kien Tuong Province, right on the Cambodian border. The river was notorious as a Viet Cong infiltration route and a large number of abandoned sampans were targeted. During the attack run, intense enemy fire was encountered and suppression fire was called for. LTJG Reardon was seen to impact in a near-vertical crash and become engulfed in flames. One enlisted crewman was either thrown from or crawled clear of the wreckage and was later rescued by the lead helicopter only after engaging heavy ground fire. With the crash circumstances as they were, and the visual consensus of other helicopter crews in the flight, there was little to no likelihood that anyone else could have survived. The crew, including Reardon, was listed Killed in Action. In later recovery attempts, the remains of two crewmembers, including Castle's, were recovered. Reardon's remains were [recovered in 2003]. <br />
<br />
SECOND ACCOUNT: The Seawolves did lose a Huey on this day. It was from Detachment 3 and was Seawolf 320, a UH-1B or C. While operating inside Cambodia it was hit by heavy auto weapons fire and crashed. Killed in the crash were the pilot, LTJG Richard Reardon, the copilot, LTJG Hal Castle, and the gunner, AO3 Michael E Schafernocker. The crew chief, AN James B. Page, Jr. was severely injured. The second team member, Seawolf 305 was hit in the engine oil system and made a forced landing near the wreck of Seawolf 320. They recovered Page under fire and held out to be picked up by a slick from the 175th AHC, Outlaw 29, after several attempted landings. While taking off, the pilot of Seawolf 305 was shot by ground fire and killed. He was LJG Joseph F. Hart. A crewman observer also rescued (AN Charles Larsen) was seriously wounded on take-off as well. Location of this incident was approximately Grid XS153986. The bodies of LtJg Castle and AO3 Schafernocker and a third body were returned by Cambodian officials on 20 Feb 70. The third body was not identified at the time. (Second account submitted by Pete Harlem) [Taken from vhpa.org]<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal Cushman Castle, Jr. was born May 20, 1945, when his parents lived in the Washington, DC area. Hal’s father graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1943. His mother, prior to her marriage, lived with her family in Chevy Chase, Maryland.<br />
<br />
U.S. City Directories placed the Castle family in Newport, Rhode Island in 1946; Annapolis, Maryland in 1949; and in Norfolk, Virginia in 1959. The 1960 U.S. City Directory listed the Castle residence at 3734 Jocelyn NW, Washington, DC, which was also the home of his mother’s parents. For a time the Castle’s also resided at the Naval base in Dahlgren, Virginia.<br />
<br />
For the most part Hal’s teenage years were spent in Norfolk, Virginia where he graduated from the Norfolk Academy. A family friend indicated that back then he as referred to as “Chip”. In 1967 Hal graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and married Julie A. Fink, his high school sweetheart. She was the daughter of Rev. Harold Hanger and Evelyn (nee Williams) Fink.<br />
<br />
Hal followed in his father’s footsteps and was a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. Lieutenant Junior Grade Castle began his tour in Southeast Asia in February 1969, assigned to the Helicopter Attack Squadron 3, Detachment 3, where he piloted a UH-1B (Huey) Helicopter. On April 28, 1969, LTJG Hal C. Castle, Jr. was killed-in-action when his helicopter was shot down by hostile fire on the Vam Co Tay River near or in Cambodia. The remains of Hal and fellow crewmen were turned over by Cambodia authorities to U.S. representatives on February 20, 1970. Hal is interred at Arlington National Cemetery – Section 12, Grave 4460. His father and grandfather are also buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Hal is represented on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 26W, Line 069.<br />
<br />
The Castle family has a unique distinction. During Vietnam there were four Castles on Active duty - Hal Cushman Castle, Sr. (USNA ‘44), Hal Cushman Castle, Jr. (USNA ‘67), Bill Castle, (NROTC Univ of Virginia ‘69), and Christopher H. Castle, (USNA ‘72).<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/122325462 has a memorial in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Castle 1.jpg|link=http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
Charles "Skip" Cannady '67 on May 27, 2020:<br />
<blockquote><br />
As members of the 35th company, tucked away on the third deck of the eighth wing, we were as far away from the main office as we could be. That led to some interesting activities with little chance of being apprehended and placed on report. My roommate, Frank Rook, had purchased fifty feet of dynamite fuse, so we decided to play a joke on Hal. We used an empty roll of toilet paper tube to fashion a fake <br />
bomb. Stuffing it with some rags to add weight, we taped the ends and stuck a piece of fuse in the middle. Hal was at his desk studying as we lit the fuse and rolled our fake bomb under his chair and ran. We entered his room a few minutes later as Hal was at the sink tearing our bomb apart under water. He said that he knew it was fake all along. He had thrown a blanket over it as it rolled into his room. Little did we know that two years later, he would lose his life in Vietnam. He and his wife, Julie, were good friends. I think of him on 28 April and every Memorial Day. A good man lost way too soon.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR Wall of Faces]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Chip and I were in Pensacola for 2nd class Summer flight orientation. I remember his calm enthusiasm for flying. I was deeply saddened by news of his death, which came before my my three tours on the ground and waterways of Vietnam, with super Seawolf support in the Rung Sat Special Zone.<br />
<br />
God bless you and your family Chip.<br />
<br />
Prayers,<br/><br />
Bill Applegate, USNA '67 7th co<br />
<cite>BILL APPLEGATE, WGAPPLEGATE@GMAIL.COM, 5/25/15</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
'''Long ago and far away'''<br />
<br />
I arrived at HAL-3, Det 3 in April of 1969. I met Hal on arrival and he was the one who first showed me around and was helping me to get oriented. I only knew him for a very short time but liked him from the first day. Couldn't believe it when it all happened. Before my first combat flight, I was one of those who had the sad duty of packing up his personal effects to be shipped home. Those kind of memories you never forget. Rest in peace, sir.<br />
<cite>BRUCE WATTS, HAL-3, DET 3, APRIL '69 TO APRIL '70, 4/25/15</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
[[File:1967 Castle 2.jpg|right|350px|link=http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR]]<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal "Chip" Castle, Jr. was my dad's (Bill's) older brother, killed five years before I was born. Their dad (my grandfather, USNA '44), and his three sons (Chip, USNA '67; Bill, University of Virginia NROTC '69; and Chris, USNA '72) all served in Vietnam. I never served in uniform, but passed (along with my father) Chip's memory and our family's naval service to my own son, Riley (USNA '16), who has followed in Chip's, as well as his other great-uncle's and great-grandfather's, footsteps to the USNA. Chip's memory will always be remembered and honored by our family, even by those of us who never had the privilege of knowing him. [Riley had a friend take the attached picture while visiting D.C. last Spring.]<br />
<cite>BILL CASTLE, JR., 11/1/13</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal's youngest brother, Chris, and I were classmates from the Naval Academy - Class of 1972. Hal graduated from the Academy with the Class of 1967. He was lost in VN during our plebe year - 1969. We were all saddened for Chris and his family. Hal was a Huey pilot - my recollection is that he was lost in Cambodia during Nixon's secret war. His remains were not returned for sometime, as I recall, and then were interred at Arlington.<br />
<br />
Should anyone visit the US Naval Academy and tour the Academy's museum, you will notice a display of all the class rings. If you look closely at the ring from the Class of 1967, you will see that it belongs to Hal - donated to the Academy by his family.<br />
<br />
The Castle family have a unique distinction. During Vietnam there were four Castles on Active duty - Hal Cushman Castle, Sr.(USNA Class of 1944), Hal Cushman Castle, Jr.(USNA Class of 1967), Bill Castle, (NROTC Univ of Virginia Class of 1969), and my classmate, Christopher H. Castle, (USNA Class of 1972).<br />
<br />
Rest in Peace.<br />
<cite>ALLEN SZIGETY, ALLEN.SZIGETY@NCR.COM, 6/21/99</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[JOHN R. MARTIN, LTJG, USN|John Martin '67]] and [[MICHAEL J. SMITH, CAPT, USN|Michael Smith '67]] were also in 35th Company.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Hal|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=JOSEPH T. JOHNSON, LTJG, USN|PreviousPersonName=Joseph Johnson '67|NextPersonLink=GARY E. HOLTZCLAW, 1LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Gary Holtzclaw '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 35th Company|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:US Navy|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Helicopter|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) (HA(L)) 3|Castle]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=HAL CUSHMAN CASTLE, JR.}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=HAL_C._CASTLE,_JR.,_LTJG,_USN&diff=186911HAL C. CASTLE, JR., LTJG, USN2024-01-08T03:31:47Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */ removed addresses</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=May 20, 1945|DoD=April 28, 1969|Age=23|name_class=Hal Castle, Jr. '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Castle LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=HAL CUSHMAN CASTLE, JR.<br />
|LBHometown=Norfolk, Virginia<br />
|LBText=A second generation midshipman, Hal hails from Norfolk, Virginia. At the Academy, he was an important asset to both the company soccer and fieldball teams. Second to his OAO his main interest is the naval profession and professional knowledge. Hal was active on the Reception Committee and always had an extra team for you to drag if you didn't have anything else to do. Hal's goals for a naval career are as high as a Phantom can carry him. With his great attitude and aptitude for the Naval Service, Hal will go far and do well as an officer in the Navy.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Hal was killed in action on April 28, 1969 when the helicopter gunship he was copiloting was shot down near Mor Hoa, South Vietnam.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From the July-August 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt(jg) Castle was born in Washington, D. C, attended Norfolk Academy and was graduated from the Naval Academy in 1967. He had flight training at Pensacola, Fla., and was designated a naval aviator in Nov. 1968. After further training, Lt.(jg) Castle reported to Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three at Vung Tau, Vietnam, in March.<br />
<br />
He is survived by his widow Julia of Danville, Va.; his parents Capt. Hal C. Castle Sr., USN '44, and Mrs. Castle of Norfolk, Va.; two brothers William of the University of Virginia and Christopher, USNA '72; a sister Katherine of Mary Washington College; his maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. W. V. Shelton of Washington, and his paternal grandmother Mrs. Helen M. Castle of San Gabriel, Calif.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR?page=2#remembrances Wall of Faces]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Crew members included LJG Richard J. Reardon (KIA), AO3 Michael E. Schafernocker (KIA), LJG Hal C. Castle Jr. (KIA), and AN James B. Page Jr. (Rescued). There are two accounts of the crash involving U.S. Navy helicopter UH-1 tail number 63-08603. <br />
<br />
FIRST ACCOUNT: LTJG Richard J. Reardon was a pilot assigned to Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3, Detachment 3 'Seawolves' in Vietnam. He flew the UH1B 'Huey' attack helicopter gunship with his co-pilot LJG Hal C. Castle, and two enlisted gunners. On April 28, 1969 the Detachment 3 fire team was based at the Special Forces Camp, Moc Hoa, and sent on a patrol of the Vam Co Tay River. This location is in Kien Tuong Province, right on the Cambodian border. The river was notorious as a Viet Cong infiltration route and a large number of abandoned sampans were targeted. During the attack run, intense enemy fire was encountered and suppression fire was called for. LJG Reardon was seen to impact in a near-vertical crash and become engulfed in flames. One enlisted crewman was either thrown from or crawled clear of the wreckage and was later rescued by the lead helicopter only after engaging heavy ground fire. With the crash circumstances as they were, and the visual consensus of other helicopter crews in the flight, there was little to no likelihood that anyone else could have survived. The crew, including Reardon, was listed Killed in Action. In later recovery attempts, the remains of two crewmembers, including Castle's, were recovered. Reardon's remains were [recovered in 2003]. <br />
<br />
SECOND ACCOUNT: The Seawolves did lose a Huey on this day. It was from Detachment 3 and was Seawolf 320, a UH-1B or C. While operating inside Cambodia it was hit by heavy auto weapons fire and crashed. Killed in the crash were the pilot, LTJG Richard Reardon, the copilot, LTJG Hal Castle, and the gunner, AO3 Michael E Schafernocker. The crew chief, AN James B. Page, Jr. was severely injured. The second team member, Seawolf 305 was hit in the engine oil system and made a forced landing near the wreck of Seawolf 320. They recovered Page under fire and held out to be picked up by a slick from the 175th AHC, Outlaw 29, after several attempted landings. While taking off, the pilot of Seawolf 305 was shot by ground fire and killed. He was LJG Joseph F. Hart. A crewman observer also rescued (AN Charles Larsen) was seriously wounded on take-off as well. Location of this incident was approximately Grid XS153986. The bodies of LtJg Castle and AO3 Schafernocker and a third body were returned by Cambodian officials on 20 Feb 70. The third body was not identified at the time. (Second account submitted by Pete Harlem) [Taken from vhpa.org]<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal Cushman Castle, Jr. was born May 20, 1945, when his parents lived in the Washington, DC area. Hal’s father graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1943. His mother, prior to her marriage, lived with her family in Chevy Chase, Maryland.<br />
<br />
U.S. City Directories placed the Castle family in Newport, Rhode Island in 1946; Annapolis, Maryland in 1949; and in Norfolk, Virginia in 1959. The 1960 U.S. City Directory listed the Castle residence at 3734 Jocelyn NW, Washington, DC, which was also the home of his mother’s parents. For a time the Castle’s also resided at the Naval base in Dahlgren, Virginia.<br />
<br />
For the most part Hal’s teenage years were spent in Norfolk, Virginia where he graduated from the Norfolk Academy. A family friend indicated that back then he as referred to as “Chip”. In 1967 Hal graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and married Julie A. Fink, his high school sweetheart. She was the daughter of Rev. Harold Hanger and Evelyn (nee Williams) Fink.<br />
<br />
Hal followed in his father’s footsteps and was a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. Lieutenant Junior Grade Castle began his tour in Southeast Asia in February 1969, assigned to the Helicopter Attack Squadron 3, Detachment 3, where he piloted a UH-1B (Huey) Helicopter. On April 28, 1969, LTJG Hal C. Castle, Jr. was killed-in-action when his helicopter was shot down by hostile fire on the Vam Co Tay River near or in Cambodia. The remains of Hal and fellow crewmen were turned over by Cambodia authorities to U.S. representatives on February 20, 1970. Hal is interred at Arlington National Cemetery – Section 12, Grave 4460. His father and grandfather are also buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Hal is represented on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 26W, Line 069.<br />
<br />
The Castle family has a unique distinction. During Vietnam there were four Castles on Active duty - Hal Cushman Castle, Sr. (USNA ‘44), Hal Cushman Castle, Jr. (USNA ‘67), Bill Castle, (NROTC Univ of Virginia ‘69), and Christopher H. Castle, (USNA ‘72).<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/122325462 has a memorial in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Castle 1.jpg|link=http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
Charles "Skip" Cannady '67 on May 27, 2020:<br />
<blockquote><br />
As members of the 35th company, tucked away on the third deck of the eighth wing, we were as far away from the main office as we could be. That led to some interesting activities with little chance of being apprehended and placed on report. My roommate, Frank Rook, had purchased fifty feet of dynamite fuse, so we decided to play a joke on Hal. We used an empty roll of toilet paper tube to fashion a fake <br />
bomb. Stuffing it with some rags to add weight, we taped the ends and stuck a piece of fuse in the middle. Hal was at his desk studying as we lit the fuse and rolled our fake bomb under his chair and ran. We entered his room a few minutes later as Hal was at the sink tearing our bomb apart under water. He said that he knew it was fake all along. He had thrown a blanket over it as it rolled into his room. Little did we know that two years later, he would lose his life in Vietnam. He and his wife, Julie, were good friends. I think of him on 28 April and every Memorial Day. A good man lost way too soon.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR Wall of Faces]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Chip and I were in Pensacola for 2nd class Summer flight orientation. I remember his calm enthusiasm for flying. I was deeply saddened by news of his death, which came before my my three tours on the ground and waterways of Vietnam, with super Seawolf support in the Rung Sat Special Zone.<br />
<br />
God bless you and your family Chip.<br />
<br />
Prayers,<br/><br />
Bill Applegate, USNA '67 7th co<br />
<cite>BILL APPLEGATE, WGAPPLEGATE@GMAIL.COM, 5/25/15</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
'''Long ago and far away'''<br />
<br />
I arrived at HAL-3, Det 3 in April of 1969. I met Hal on arrival and he was the one who first showed me around and was helping me to get oriented. I only knew him for a very short time but liked him from the first day. Couldn't believe it when it all happened. Before my first combat flight, I was one of those who had the sad duty of packing up his personal effects to be shipped home. Those kind of memories you never forget. Rest in peace, sir.<br />
<cite>BRUCE WATTS, HAL-3, DET 3, APRIL '69 TO APRIL '70, 4/25/15</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
[[File:1967 Castle 2.jpg|right|350px|link=http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/8419/HAL-C-CASTLE-JR]]<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal "Chip" Castle, Jr. was my dad's (Bill's) older brother, killed five years before I was born. Their dad (my grandfather, USNA '44), and his three sons (Chip, USNA '67; Bill, University of Virginia NROTC '69; and Chris, USNA '72) all served in Vietnam. I never served in uniform, but passed (along with my father) Chip's memory and our family's naval service to my own son, Riley (USNA '16), who has followed in Chip's, as well as his other great-uncle's and great-grandfather's, footsteps to the USNA. Chip's memory will always be remembered and honored by our family, even by those of us who never had the privilege of knowing him. [Riley had a friend take the attached picture while visiting D.C. last Spring.]<br />
<cite>BILL CASTLE, JR., 11/1/13</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hal's youngest brother, Chris, and I were classmates from the Naval Academy - Class of 1972. Hal graduated from the Academy with the Class of 1967. He was lost in VN during our plebe year - 1969. We were all saddened for Chris and his family. Hal was a Huey pilot - my recollection is that he was lost in Cambodia during Nixon's secret war. His remains were not returned for sometime, as I recall, and then were interred at Arlington.<br />
<br />
Should anyone visit the US Naval Academy and tour the Academy's museum, you will notice a display of all the class rings. If you look closely at the ring from the Class of 1967, you will see that it belongs to Hal - donated to the Academy by his family.<br />
<br />
The Castle family have a unique distinction. During Vietnam there were four Castles on Active duty - Hal Cushman Castle, Sr.(USNA Class of 1944), Hal Cushman Castle, Jr.(USNA Class of 1967), Bill Castle, (NROTC Univ of Virginia Class of 1969), and my classmate, Christopher H. Castle, (USNA Class of 1972).<br />
<br />
Rest in Peace.<br />
<cite>ALLEN SZIGETY, ALLEN.SZIGETY@NCR.COM, 6/21/99</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[JOHN R. MARTIN, LTJG, USN|John Martin '67]] and [[MICHAEL J. SMITH, CAPT, USN|Michael Smith '67]] were also in 35th Company.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Hal|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=JOSEPH T. JOHNSON, LTJG, USN|PreviousPersonName=Joseph Johnson '67|NextPersonLink=GARY E. HOLTZCLAW, 1LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Gary Holtzclaw '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 35th Company|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:US Navy|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Helicopter|Castle]]<br />
[[Category:Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) (HA(L)) 3|Castle]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=HAL CUSHMAN CASTLE, JR.}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=JOSEPH_T._JOHNSON,_LTJG,_USN&diff=186910JOSEPH T. JOHNSON, LTJG, USN2024-01-08T03:21:53Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|name_class=Joseph Johnson '67|DoB=January 5, 1945|DoD=January 29, 1969|Age=24}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Johnson LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=JOSEPH THOMAS JOHNSON<br />
|LBHometown=Mount Carmel, Illinois<br />
|LBText="Digger" came to Navy right after high school after spending the earlier years of his life in Mount Carmel, Illinois. Academics took a lot of his time, as they never come easy, and he had to make up for a bad start plebe year. Joe's athletic talent was varied as he was always looking for a new sport to try his hand at. He was a member of the plebe fencing team and quite a variety of intramural teams ranging from lacrosse to crew. Not to be limited to athletics, Joe could always be depended upon for a game of bridge, his only real downfall. Joe's love of the outdoors, lead him to strive for a career in the Marine Corps, but his desire to succeed and his enthusiasm for life promise to make him a valuable asset to the Naval Service no matter what branch of the service he decides upon.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
From the April 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt.(jg) Joseph T. Johnson, USN, died 29 Jan. as a result of an aircraft accident near the Naval Air Station at Whiting Field, Milton, Fla. Services were held at the Arlington National Cemetery Chapel, with interment in Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
Lt. (jg) Johnson was born in Princeton, Ind., and was graduated from the Naval Academy with the class of 1967. A member of the Twenty-first Company at the Academy, he participated in fencing, lacrosse and crew. He had basic air training at Pensacola, Fla., followed by duty with Training Squadron One at Saufley Field and with Training Squadron Three at Whiting Field. He completed advanced training with Training Squadron 27 at Corpus Christi, Tex., and received his wings in October 1968. Lt.(jg) returned to VT-3 as a formation flight instructor.<br />
<br />
Survivors include his widow Shirley of Milton, Fl., and his parents Mr. and Mrs. Hal R. Johnson of Mt. Carmel, Il.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Aviation trainee Ens. William C. Denison, Jr., of Seattle, WA, was [https://www.newspapers.com/image/543546924/?terms=joseph%20t.%20johnson&match=1 also killed] in the crash.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From researcher Kathy Franz:<br />
<blockquote><br />
He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1963: FLC; FTA; Actprocons (Club for drama and speech with his father pictured behind him); Sibylline Staff; Class Play (played George Gibbs in Our Town); Football; Track. Voted: Most Amorous.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Joseph [https://www.newspapers.com/image/440520377/?terms=%22Joe%20Johnson%22%20Naval%20Academy&match=1 married] Shirley Rosen of Norfolk, VA the day after graduating in the chapel of the Academy. Ens. Sheldon C. Arey of Silver Spring, Md., was best man. Groomsmen were Ensigns Thomas W. Southworth of Memphis, Tenn., Ernest W. Moldenhauer of Washington, D.C., Bob R. Patton of Ft. Wayne, IN, Gary E. Wright of Lincoln, NE, and 2nd LTs Ronald J. Cornetta of Plainfield, NJ and [[ALAN_A._KETTNER,_2LT,_USMC|Alan A. Kettner]] of Springfield, MN.<br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49238556 is buried in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
LT (jg) Joe Johnson died in an aircraft accident on 29 Jan 69 returning to NAS Whiting Field in Milton, FL after a routine formation training flight while attached to VT-3. He received his wings in October 68 and was assigned, along with classmates Howie Johnston (21), Bob Crockett (34), Ken Barausky (13) and Rick Cazenave (16) to Whiting as a flight instructor. Joe was a Naval Academy graduate with the class of 1967 and a member of the 21st company. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Johnson 1.jpg|From the April 1969 issue of ''Shipmate''<br />
File:1967 Johnson 2.jpg|From his high school yearbook<br />
File:1967 Johnson 3.jpg|From his high school yearbook<br />
File:1967 Johnson 4.jpg|Joe and his dad, Hal, in the Actprocons Club<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[ROBERT R. BOSSERT, MIDN, USN|Robert Bossert '67]] was in 21st Company as a 3/c; if the companies didn't shuffle then he was with Joseph.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Joseph|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=JOHN P. HARRINGTON, LTJG, USN|PreviousPersonName=John Harrington '67|NextPersonLink=HAL C. CASTLE, JR., LTJG, USN|NextPersonName=Hal Castle, Jr. '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 21st Company|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:US Navy|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:Training Squadron (VT) 3|Johnson]]</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=JOSEPH_T._JOHNSON,_LTJG,_USN&diff=186909JOSEPH T. JOHNSON, LTJG, USN2024-01-08T03:18:38Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */ groomsmen</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|name_class=Joseph Johnson '67|DoB=January 5, 1945|DoD=January 29, 1969|Age=24}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Johnson LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=JOSEPH THOMAS JOHNSON<br />
|LBHometown=Mount Carmel, Illinois<br />
|LBText="Digger" came to Navy right after high school after spending the earlier years of his life in Mount Carmel, Illinois. Academics took a lot of his time, as they never come easy, and he had to make up for a bad start plebe year. Joe's athletic talent was varied as he was always looking for a new sport to try his hand at. He was a member of the plebe fencing team and quite a variety of intramural teams ranging from lacrosse to crew. Not to be limited to athletics, Joe could always be depended upon for a game of bridge, his only real downfall. Joe's love of the outdoors, lead him to strive for a career in the Marine Corps, but his desire to succeed and his enthusiasm for life promise to make him a valuable asset to the Naval Service no matter what branch of the service he decides upon.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
From the April 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt.(jg) Joseph T. Johnson, USN, died 29 Jan. as a result of an aircraft accident near the Naval Air Station at Whiting Field, Milton, Fla. Services were held at the Arlington National Cemetery Chapel, with interment in Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
Lt. (jg) Johnson was born in Princeton, Ind., and was graduated from the Naval Academy with the class of 1967. A member of the Twenty-first Company at the Academy, he participated in fencing, lacrosse and crew. He had basic air training at Pensacola, Fla., followed by duty with Training Squadron One at Saufley Field and with Training Squadron Three at Whiting Field. He completed advanced training with Training Squadron 27 at Corpus Christi, Tex., and received his wings in October 1968. Lt.(jg) returned to VT-3 as a formation flight instructor.<br />
<br />
Survivors include his widow Shirley of Milton, Fl., and his parents Mr. and Mrs. Hal R. Johnson of Mt. Carmel, Il.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Aviation trainee Ens. William C. Denison, Jr., of Seattle, WA, was [https://www.newspapers.com/image/543546924/?terms=joseph%20t.%20johnson&match=1 also killed] in the crash.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From researcher Kathy Franz:<br />
<blockquote><br />
He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1963: FLC; FTA; Actprocons (Club for drama and speech with his father pictured behind him); Sibylline Staff; Class Play (played George Gibbs in Our Town); Football; Track. Voted: Most Amorous.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Joseph [https://www.newspapers.com/image/440520377/?terms=%22Joe%20Johnson%22%20Naval%20Academy&match=1 married] Shirley Rosen of Norfolk, VA the day after graduating in the chapel of the Academy. Ens. Sheldon C. Arey of Silver Spring, Md., was best man. Groomsmen were Ensigns Thomas W. Southworth of Memphis, Tenn., Ernest W. Moldenhauer of Washington, D.C., Bob R. Patton of Ft. Wayne, IN, Gary E. Wright of Lincoln, NE, and 2nd LTs Ronald J. Cornetta of Plainfield, NJ and Alan A. Kettner of Springfield, MN.<br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49238556 is buried in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
LT (jg) Joe Johnson died in an aircraft accident on 29 Jan 69 returning to NAS Whiting Field in Milton, FL after a routine formation training flight while attached to VT-3. He received his wings in October 68 and was assigned, along with classmates Howie Johnston (21), Bob Crockett (34), Ken Barausky (13) and Rick Cazenave (16) to Whiting as a flight instructor. Joe was a Naval Academy graduate with the class of 1967 and a member of the 21st company. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Johnson 1.jpg|From the April 1969 issue of ''Shipmate''<br />
File:1967 Johnson 2.jpg|From his high school yearbook<br />
File:1967 Johnson 3.jpg|From his high school yearbook<br />
File:1967 Johnson 4.jpg|Joe and his dad, Hal, in the Actprocons Club<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[ROBERT R. BOSSERT, MIDN, USN|Robert Bossert '67]] was in 21st Company as a 3/c; if the companies didn't shuffle then he was with Joseph.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Joseph|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=JOHN P. HARRINGTON, LTJG, USN|PreviousPersonName=John Harrington '67|NextPersonLink=HAL C. CASTLE, JR., LTJG, USN|NextPersonName=Hal Castle, Jr. '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 21st Company|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:US Navy|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:Training Squadron (VT) 3|Johnson]]</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=JOSEPH_T._JOHNSON,_LTJG,_USN&diff=186908JOSEPH T. JOHNSON, LTJG, USN2024-01-08T02:46:44Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Loss */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|name_class=Joseph Johnson '67|DoB=January 5, 1945|DoD=January 29, 1969|Age=24}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Johnson LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=JOSEPH THOMAS JOHNSON<br />
|LBHometown=Mount Carmel, Illinois<br />
|LBText="Digger" came to Navy right after high school after spending the earlier years of his life in Mount Carmel, Illinois. Academics took a lot of his time, as they never come easy, and he had to make up for a bad start plebe year. Joe's athletic talent was varied as he was always looking for a new sport to try his hand at. He was a member of the plebe fencing team and quite a variety of intramural teams ranging from lacrosse to crew. Not to be limited to athletics, Joe could always be depended upon for a game of bridge, his only real downfall. Joe's love of the outdoors, lead him to strive for a career in the Marine Corps, but his desire to succeed and his enthusiasm for life promise to make him a valuable asset to the Naval Service no matter what branch of the service he decides upon.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
From the April 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt.(jg) Joseph T. Johnson, USN, died 29 Jan. as a result of an aircraft accident near the Naval Air Station at Whiting Field, Milton, Fla. Services were held at the Arlington National Cemetery Chapel, with interment in Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
Lt. (jg) Johnson was born in Princeton, Ind., and was graduated from the Naval Academy with the class of 1967. A member of the Twenty-first Company at the Academy, he participated in fencing, lacrosse and crew. He had basic air training at Pensacola, Fla., followed by duty with Training Squadron One at Saufley Field and with Training Squadron Three at Whiting Field. He completed advanced training with Training Squadron 27 at Corpus Christi, Tex., and received his wings in October 1968. Lt.(jg) returned to VT-3 as a formation flight instructor.<br />
<br />
Survivors include his widow Shirley of Milton, Fl., and his parents Mr. and Mrs. Hal R. Johnson of Mt. Carmel, Il.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Aviation trainee Ens. William C. Denison, Jr., of Seattle, WA, was [https://www.newspapers.com/image/543546924/?terms=joseph%20t.%20johnson&match=1 also killed] in the crash.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From researcher Kathy Franz:<br />
<blockquote><br />
He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1963: FLC; FTA; Actprocons (Club for drama and speech with his father pictured behind him); Sibylline Staff; Class Play (played George Gibbs in Our Town); Football; Track. Voted: Most Amorous.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Joseph [https://www.newspapers.com/image/440520377/?terms=%22Joe%20Johnson%22%20Naval%20Academy&match=1 married] Shirley Rosen of Norfolk, VA the day after graduating in the chapel of the Academy.<br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49238556 is buried in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
LT (jg) Joe Johnson died in an aircraft accident on 29 Jan 69 returning to NAS Whiting Field in Milton, FL after a routine formation training flight while attached to VT-3. He received his wings in October 68 and was assigned, along with classmates Howie Johnston (21), Bob Crockett (34), Ken Barausky (13) and Rick Cazenave (16) to Whiting as a flight instructor. Joe was a Naval Academy graduate with the class of 1967 and a member of the 21st company. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Johnson 1.jpg|From the April 1969 issue of ''Shipmate''<br />
File:1967 Johnson 2.jpg|From his high school yearbook<br />
File:1967 Johnson 3.jpg|From his high school yearbook<br />
File:1967 Johnson 4.jpg|Joe and his dad, Hal, in the Actprocons Club<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[ROBERT R. BOSSERT, MIDN, USN|Robert Bossert '67]] was in 21st Company as a 3/c; if the companies didn't shuffle then he was with Joseph.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Joseph|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=JOHN P. HARRINGTON, LTJG, USN|PreviousPersonName=John Harrington '67|NextPersonLink=HAL C. CASTLE, JR., LTJG, USN|NextPersonName=Hal Castle, Jr. '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 21st Company|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:US Navy|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:Training Squadron (VT) 3|Johnson]]</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=JOSEPH_T._JOHNSON,_LTJG,_USN&diff=186907JOSEPH T. JOHNSON, LTJG, USN2024-01-08T02:45:36Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */ marriage added</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|name_class=Joseph Johnson '67|DoB=January 5, 1945|DoD=January 29, 1969|Age=24}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Johnson LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=JOSEPH THOMAS JOHNSON<br />
|LBHometown=Mount Carmel, Illinois<br />
|LBText="Digger" came to Navy right after high school after spending the earlier years of his life in Mount Carmel, Illinois. Academics took a lot of his time, as they never come easy, and he had to make up for a bad start plebe year. Joe's athletic talent was varied as he was always looking for a new sport to try his hand at. He was a member of the plebe fencing team and quite a variety of intramural teams ranging from lacrosse to crew. Not to be limited to athletics, Joe could always be depended upon for a game of bridge, his only real downfall. Joe's love of the outdoors, lead him to strive for a career in the Marine Corps, but his desire to succeed and his enthusiasm for life promise to make him a valuable asset to the Naval Service no matter what branch of the service he decides upon.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
From the April 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt.(jg) Joseph T. Johnson, USN, died 29 Jan. as a result of an aircraft accident near the Naval Air Station at Whiting Field, Milton, Fla. Services were held at the Arlington National Cemetery Chapel, with interment in Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
Lt. (jg) Johnson was born in Princeton, Ind., and was graduated from the Naval Academy with the class of 1967. A member of the Twenty-first Company at the Academy, he participated in fencing, lacrosse and crew. He had basic air training at Pensacola, Fla., followed by duty with Training Squadron One at Saufley Field and with Training Squadron Three at Whiting Field. He completed advanced training with Training Squadron 27 at Corpus Christi, Tex., and received his wings in October 1968. Lt.(jg) returned to VT-3 as a formation flight instructor.<br />
<br />
Survivors include his widow Shirley of Milton, Fl., and his parents Mr. and Mrs. Hal R. Johnson of Mt. Carmel, Il.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From researcher Kathy Franz:<br />
<blockquote><br />
He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1963: FLC; FTA; Actprocons (Club for drama and speech with his father pictured behind him); Sibylline Staff; Class Play (played George Gibbs in Our Town); Football; Track. Voted: Most Amorous.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Joseph [https://www.newspapers.com/image/440520377/?terms=%22Joe%20Johnson%22%20Naval%20Academy&match=1 married] Shirley Rosen of Norfolk, VA the day after graduating in the chapel of the Academy.<br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49238556 is buried in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
LT (jg) Joe Johnson died in an aircraft accident on 29 Jan 69 returning to NAS Whiting Field in Milton, FL after a routine formation training flight while attached to VT-3. He received his wings in October 68 and was assigned, along with classmates Howie Johnston (21), Bob Crockett (34), Ken Barausky (13) and Rick Cazenave (16) to Whiting as a flight instructor. Joe was a Naval Academy graduate with the class of 1967 and a member of the 21st company. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Johnson 1.jpg|From the April 1969 issue of ''Shipmate''<br />
File:1967 Johnson 2.jpg|From his high school yearbook<br />
File:1967 Johnson 3.jpg|From his high school yearbook<br />
File:1967 Johnson 4.jpg|Joe and his dad, Hal, in the Actprocons Club<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[ROBERT R. BOSSERT, MIDN, USN|Robert Bossert '67]] was in 21st Company as a 3/c; if the companies didn't shuffle then he was with Joseph.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Joseph|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=JOHN P. HARRINGTON, LTJG, USN|PreviousPersonName=John Harrington '67|NextPersonLink=HAL C. CASTLE, JR., LTJG, USN|NextPersonName=Hal Castle, Jr. '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 21st Company|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:US Navy|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:Training Squadron (VT) 3|Johnson]]</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=JOSEPH_T._JOHNSON,_LTJG,_USN&diff=180570JOSEPH T. JOHNSON, LTJG, USN2023-11-03T13:02:17Z<p>LeslieBP: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|name_class=Joseph Johnson '67|DoB=January 5, 1945|DoD=January 29, 1969|Age=24}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Johnson LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=JOSEPH THOMAS JOHNSON<br />
|LBHometown=Mount Carmel, Illinois<br />
|LBText="Digger" came to Navy right after high school after spending the earlier years of his life in Mount Carmel, Illinois. Academics took a lot of his time, as they never come easy, and he had to make up for a bad start plebe year. Joe's athletic talent was varied as he was always looking for a new sport to try his hand at. He was a member of the plebe fencing team and quite a variety of intramural teams ranging from lacrosse to crew. Not to be limited to athletics, Joe could always be depended upon for a game of bridge, his only real downfall. Joe's love of the outdoors, lead him to strive for a career in the Marine Corps, but his desire to succeed and his enthusiasm for life promise to make him a valuable asset to the Naval Service no matter what branch of the service he decides upon.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
From the April 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt.(jg) Joseph T. Johnson, USN, died 29 Jan. as a result of an aircraft accident near the Naval Air Station at Whiting Field, Milton, Fla. Services were held at the Arlington National Cemetery Chapel, with interment in Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
Lt. (jg) Johnson was born in Princeton, Ind., and was graduated from the Naval Academy with the class of 1967. A member of the Twenty-first Company at the Academy, he participated in fencing, lacrosse and crew. He had basic air training at Pensacola, Fla., followed by duty with Training Squadron One at Saufley Field and with Training Squadron Three at Whiting Field. He completed advanced training with Training Squadron 27 at Corpus Christi, Tex., and received his wings in October 1968. Lt.(jg) returned to VT-3 as a formation flight instructor.<br />
<br />
Survivors include his widow Shirley of Milton, Fl., and his parents Mr. and Mrs. Hal R. Johnson of Mt. Carmel, Il.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From researcher Kathy Franz:<br />
<blockquote><br />
He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1963: FLC; FTA; Actprocons (Club for drama and speech with his father pictured behind him); Sibylline Staff; Class Play (played George Gibbs in Our Town); Football; Track. Voted: Most Amorous.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49238556 is buried in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
LT (jg) Joe Johnson died in an aircraft accident on 29 Jan 69 returning to NAS Whiting Field in Milton, FL after a routine formation training flight while attached to VT-3. He received his wings in October 68 and was assigned, along with classmates Howie Johnston (21), Bob Crockett (34), Ken Barausky (13) and Rick Cazenave (16) to Whiting as a flight instructor. Joe was a Naval Academy graduate with the class of 1967 and a member of the 21st company. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Johnson 1.jpg|From the April 1969 issue of ''Shipmate''<br />
File:1967 Johnson 2.jpg|From his high school yearbook<br />
File:1967 Johnson 3.jpg|From his high school yearbook<br />
File:1967 Johnson 4.jpg|Joe and his dad, Hal, in the Actprocons Club<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[ROBERT R. BOSSERT, MIDN, USN|Robert Bossert '67]] was in 21st Company as a 3/c; if the companies didn't shuffle then he was with Joseph.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Joseph|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=JOHN P. HARRINGTON, LTJG, USN|PreviousPersonName=John Harrington '67|NextPersonLink=HAL C. CASTLE, JR., LTJG, USN|NextPersonName=Hal Castle, Jr. '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 21st Company|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:US Navy|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:Training Squadron (VT) 3|Johnson]]</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=JOHN_P._HARRINGTON,_LTJG,_USN&diff=180269JOHN P. HARRINGTON, LTJG, USN2023-11-03T12:51:40Z<p>LeslieBP: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=February 19, 1945|DoD=September 28, 1968|Age=23|name_class=John Harrington '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Harrington LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=JOHN PETER HARRINGTON<br />
|LBHometown=South Orange, New Jersey<br />
|LBText=John came to the Academy from Seton Hall Prep after turning down appointments to the Military and Coast Guard Academies. Unable to play football due to a shoulder separation, John ran plebe track before settling down to the intramural sports. Academics were always easy for John, and he spent numerous evenings sacrificing his own work to help his classmates. John also busied himself with numerous activities, especially the Brigade Activities Committee. His moans filled the air one homecoming game when the fort he took hours to build was leveled by the William and Mary Indians. Whether he goes Naval Air or Nuclear Power, John will certainly be a big asset to the fleet. <br />
|LBOther=He was also a member of the 6th Battalion staff (winter).}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
John lost on September 28, 1968 when the aircraft he was piloting crashed near Kingsville, Texas. He was serving with Training Squadron (VT) 22 at Kingsville in the advanced jet flight program. His plane was [https://www.newspapers.com/image/756883229/?terms=Freer%20F-9%20crash&match=1 one of three jets] on a navigation training flight.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From the January 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt. Harrington was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., and graduated from the Naval Academy with the class of 1967. He completed basic flight training at Pensacola, Fla., before his assignment at Kingsville.<br />
<br />
Surviving are his widow, Victoria R., of Haddonfield, N. J.; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Harrington of South Orange, N. J.; four brothers, William, Dennis, Michael and Paul; and five sisters, Pegeen, Jane, Patricia, Kathleen and Mary Elise.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
John hailed from South Orange, New Jersey, where he graduated from Seton Hall Prep in 1963. He was an all-state football player and Student Body President at Seton Hall, and also had appointments to both West Point and the Coast Guard Academy before choosing USNA.<br />
<br />
While he was at USNA, John was not content to just get through the curriculum. He took extra courses in aerodynamics and aerospace in the hopes of becoming an astronaut, and spent many hours with our late classmate Mike Smith working on these courses. He was also a member of the Brigade Honor Committee and a 3 striper first class year. Additionally, he spent many hours helping classmates with their academics and more than a few credit him with helping them graduate from USNA.<br />
<br />
In sports, a separated shoulder in high school football prevented him playing football at Navy. Interestingly, John said he enjoyed playing intramurals with the 33 Mets as much or more as high school athletics. He played lightweight football Youngster year, and almost starved himself to death in order to make the one weigh in at the beginning of the season. A ferocious blocker and pass protector, he was instrumental in helping the Mets to an outstanding season. He was also a stalwart on the fieldball team, once breaking his nose, and just moving it back in place to and kept playing.<br />
<br />
John went to Pensacola after graduation for aviation flight training, the first step in his dream of becoming an astronaut. He was killed tragically on a training flight in an F-9 near Kingsville, Texas on September 28, 1968. John was survived by his wife of 6 weeks, the former Vicki Sclafani and numerous friends, both in and out of the Navy, who mourn his loss to this day. <br />
<br />
<cite>Submitted by Jim Perley</cite><br />
</blockquote> <br />
<br />
John is [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/92317914 buried in New Jersey.]<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Harrington 1.jpg|From the January 1969 issue of ''Shipmate''.<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[GREGG O. OWENS, CDR, USN|Gregg Owens '67]] was also in 33rd Company.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=John|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=THOMAS J. WEISS, 2LT, USMC|PreviousPersonName=Thomas Weiss '67|NextPersonLink=JOSEPH T. JOHNSON, LTJG, USN|NextPersonName=Joseph Johnson '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Harrington]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 33rd Company|Harrington]]<br />
[[Category:US Navy|Harrington]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Harrington]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Harrington]]<br />
[[Category:Training Squadron (VT) 22|Harrington]]</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=HENRY_A._WRIGHT,_2LT,_USMC&diff=176365HENRY A. WRIGHT, 2LT, USMC2023-11-03T00:43:58Z<p>LeslieBP: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=June 9, 1946|DoD=February 6, 1968|Age=21|name_class=Henry Wright '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Wright LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=HENRY ARTHUR WRIGHT<br />
|LBHometown=Oakland, California<br />
|LBText=After graduating from Oakland High School in "sunny California", Henry found his way to the Naval Academy. His scholastic background enabled him to take full advantage of the electives program and to complete majors in German and Economics while at Navy. Never content with less than his best effort, Henry's hard work paid off, and he found himself consistently on the Superintendent's List. Henry's advice was much sought after by peer and subordinate alike. Henry will carry with him qualities that destine him to be a valuable asset to the Naval service, an inspiration and example to those with whom he comes in contact, and an unbounded personal success as well.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Henry was killed in action on February 6, 1968 by small arms fire from North Vietnamese forces. He was a platoon commander with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines. He had been in Vietnam for just over a month.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68485484 Find A Grave]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
The son of Roy E. Wright and Marjorie J. Wright of Oakland CA, Henry was commissioned on June 7, 1967 and entered into service with the US Marine Corps at the US Naval Academy.<br />
<br />
Arriving in Vietnam on January 5, 1968 2dLt Wright was assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion 7th Marines 1st MARDIV (Rein) FMF.<br />
<br />
On February 6 at approximately 08:45 CAP B-4 located in the hamlet of La Chau became engaged with an enemy force and requested assistance. Company D, nearby on Hill 47 deployed a two squad reaction force supported by an M48A1 Tank to the scene of the fire fright. Approaching La Chau the Tank struck a mine becoming disabled as the Marines began to receive heavy automatic weapons fire, B-40 rockets were fired at the Tank setting it ablaze. Additional reinforcements and air support was requested by the Marines.<br />
<br />
The action resulted in the deaths of eight Marines and one US Navy Corpsman, including 2Lt Wright who died as a result of a gunshot wound. Twenty men were also wounded during the fire fights with the enemy forces.<br />
<br />
2Lt Wight received a posthumous award of the Bronze Star Medal with combat "V" for "heroic achievement while serving as a Platoon Commander ...on 6 February 1968.."<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From the Class of 1967 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hank was born in Keokuk, IA, and came to USNA directly from Oakland High School in Oakland, CA. He was a member of the “old” 15th and then 22nd Company. Following a very challenging Plebe year Henry dedicated himself to excellence and a chance to prove his mettle. He completed majors in German and Economics, and was consistently on the Superintendent’s List.<br />
<br />
He service-selected USMC ground and immediately reported to Quantico, VA where he graduated from The Basic School with 1-68 Alpha Company, 5th Platoon. Reporting to Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines 1st MARDIV (Rein) FMF as a Platoon Commander on 5 January 1968.<br />
<br />
He was mortally wounded on 6 Feb 1968 while leading a platoon to the relief of a company under attack south of Da Nang during the communist Tet offensive. He led an attack against heavily entrenched enemy positions and was mortally wounded while directing covering fire for the evacuation of other wounded Marines. During the action he carried his wounded radioman to safety and tended him until the arrival of a corpsman.<br />
<br />
His initiative and fearless action were credited for the marines' success in breaching the enemy defenses. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart; his name is engraved on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, VVM Panel 37e, Line 76. He was a popular and highly admired member of the 22nd Company. His ever-present good sense of humor and calm demeanor endeared himself to all who knew him. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
In 1960 while in ninth grade, Henry won the [https://www.newspapers.com/image/332200798/?terms=%22roy%20e.%20wright%22&match=1 7th annual Oakland Public Schools Oakland Tribune Spelling Contest]. [https://www.newspapers.com/image/477732370/?terms=%22Henry%20A.%20Wright%22&match=1&clipping_id=126035897 In high school] Henry was active in Student Government and a member of the swimming team.<br />
<br />
Henry was [https://www.newspapers.com/image/477731749/?article=ee55ee2a-774a-47b4-9814-cd6c5c45ccc7 survived by] his parents Roy and Marjorie Wright, his sister Jean Kaneda, and grandmothers Rose Wright and Elizabeth Norton. He is [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68485484/henry-arthur-wright interred] at Mountain View Cemetery in Alameda County, California.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Wright 1.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Bronze Star ==<br />
From the November 1968 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
A Bronze Star Medal with combat "V" was awarded posthumously to Henry A. WRIGHT by the Commandant of the Marine Corps in the name of the President of the United States. Henry was killed in action 6 Feb. in Vietnam. The medal was sent to his mother, and notification to the class was made by his uncle, Capt. Gerald S. Norton, USN '39.<br />
<br />
The citation stated:<br /><br />
"For heroic achievement while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 February 1968. While conducting operations in Quang Nam Province, two squads of Company C suddenly came under intense small-arms and automatic weapons fire from an estimated hostile force of two companies entrenched along a tree line in the vicinity of the village of La Chau. Upon learning of the situation, Lieutenant Wright immediately organized a reaction platoon and expeditiously moved his unit to the area of the fire fight to reinforce the beleaguered Marines. Arriving in the battle area, he completely disregarded his own safety as he exposed himself to enemy fire to move to a vantage point where he could analyze the situation and more effectively control and direct the actions of his men. He led an aggressive assault against hostile emplacements by skillfully directing his men by fire and maneuver across an open rice paddy in an attack that breached the center of the enemy line. When his radio operator was seriously wounded, without hesitation he placed the radio on his back and carried the injured Marine to a secure position, where he gave first aid to him. Quickly returning to his platoon, he continued to direct and influence the actions of his men and provide effective covering fire for the extraction of the wounded and the movement of his men to defensive positions, until he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Due largely to his bold initiative and fearless action, he was instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission and saving several of his fellow Marines from further injury or possible death. His superior leadership, steadfast courage and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."<br />
<br />
Henry was a fine classmate and officer. The class is proud of him.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Henry|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=ROBERT R. BOSSERT, MIDN, USN|PreviousPersonName=Robert Bossert '67|NextPersonLink=ALAN A. KETTNER, 2LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Alan Kettner '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 22nd Company|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:US Marine Corps|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:Ground|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:1st Battalion, 7th Marines|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:Bronze Star|Wright]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=HENRY ARTHUR WRIGHT}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=ROBERT_E._TUTTLE,_2LT,_USMC&diff=176329ROBERT E. TUTTLE, 2LT, USMC2023-11-03T00:43:56Z<p>LeslieBP: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=July 21, 1945|DoD=May 8, 1968|Age=22|name_class=Robert Tuttle '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Tuttle LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=ROBERT ERVIN TUTTLE<br />
|LBHometown=Pensacola, Florida<br />
|LBText=Truly a "soldier of the sea", it is no strange work of fate that brought Bob to these Severn shores. While at the Academy, Bob displayed an interest in all phases of Academy life by excelling in sports, academics, and the "skinny" department, in the order. "Tuts" won acclaim in the field of athletics by his participation in boxing and football. His exceptional charm and outgoing personality has won him many friends and made him first in the hearts of many females in the feminine circles of Annapolis. Even the plebes appreciated his tremendous sense of humor and quick wit. With goal of becoming the Navy's next Fleet Admiral, Bob should have no trouble succeeding in whatever branch of the Navy he chooses.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Robert was killed in action on May 8, 1968 when a landmine exploded near him while on patrol near Quang Nam, Vietnam.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From the September-October 1968 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt. Tuttle, who was born in Maryland, graduated from the Naval Academy in 1967. A graduate of Escombia High School in Pensacola, he had been selected as the first Senior Citizen for his high grade average and prowess as an athlete in 1962-63. As a midshipman he was heavyweight boxing champion.<br />
<br />
Following graduation, Lt. Tuttle completed Marine Corps Basic School at Quantico, Va., then was assigned to Vietnam. He had arrived there two months prior to his death and had been serving as commander of the 1st Platoon, M Company, 3rd Battalion, 27th Marine Division.<br />
<br />
He is survived by his parents, RAdm. Magruder H. Tuttle, USN (Ret.), class of 1932, and Mrs. Tuttle of Pensacola, Fl.; a brother, Harry C. Tuttle, who recently returned from a tour of duty with the Army 1st Air Cavalry in Vietnam and is now a helicopter instructor at Fort Rucker, Ala.; two sisters, Courtney Ann and Jane E. Tuttle; and a grandmother, Mrs. H. W. Courtney of Ennis, Tex.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He completed a two week [https://www.newspapers.com/image/263455613/?terms=%22Robert%20E.%20Tuttle%22&match=1 active duty recruit training] for the Naval Reserves his senior year in high school. He also was [https://www.newspapers.com/image/263408450/?terms=%22Robert%20Tuttle%22&match=1 inducted in the National Honor Society] of Escambia High School.<br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/1267493/robert-ervin-tuttle is buried in] Florida and has [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/200133207/robert-ervin-tuttle this second entry on Find A Grave].<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Tuttle 1.jpg|Photo courtesy of William Belden '67<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Bob came to the Naval Academy from a family steeped in Navy history and traditions. His father, Admiral Tuttle (’31), was the 1931 Naval Academy football team captain. Bob continued with the sports tradition until a knee injury ended his football career. Refusing to let the football injury stop his love of sports, Bob continued his athletic pursuits until he won brigade wide recognition as the 1967 Brigade Heavyweight Boxing Champion. The undefeated former Heavyweight Champion of the world, Rocky Marciano refereed that fight. Marciano died in an airplane crash less than a year later. It was an honor for Bob to have won an important fight refereed by such an important champion.<br />
<br />
Bob chose the Marine Corps upon graduation from the Naval Academy in June 1967. He was serving as a platoon commander, Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, in Vietnam at the time of his death on May 5, 1968.<br />
<br />
The Bob Tuttle Scholarship was established at Escambia High School, Escambia County Public Schools, Pensacola, Florida. Rear Admiral and Mrs. Magruder H. Tuttle, established the scholarship in memory of their son, 2nd Lt. Bob Tuttle, USMC, a 1963 graduate of Escambia High School.<br />
<br />
Bob is remembered with love and affection by all of his classmates and friends. “The greatest tragedy is what might have been.” Anonymous<br />
<br />
“Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life....” John 15:13 <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.findagrave.com/memorial/1267493 Find A Grave]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
(The following provided by Jim Slusser, a lifelong friend from Buies Creek, NC...)<br />
<br />
The Best We Had To Offer<br />
<br />
His real home was Pensacola, FL, where his father, RADM Magruder Tuttle was Chief of Air Training Command in the 60's. Bob graduated from Pensacola's Escambia HS in 1963, and the U.S. Naval Academy in 1967, where he was the heavy weight boxing champion his senior year. He was truly the best our generation had to offer, and our country is the worse off for his loss. Bob will always be remembered by his classmates, and may his memory live forever.<br />
Survived by his parents Magruder H & Dorothy C Tuttle of Pensacola, FL and his brother, Harry C Tuttle of Enterprise, AL.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/52928/ROBERT-E-TUTTLE Wall of Faces]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt Tuttle was my platoon leader May 08, 1968 - A good Marine<br />
<cite>SGT. EDWARD BENAVIDEZ, 7/30/14</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Bob was the ideal character for a movie. Big athletic handsome guy always smiling. Excelled at everything. And, a GOOD FRIEND. Naval Academy and joins the Marines. That was Bob. We Honor you at every reunion. Semper Fi<br />
<cite>JIM GRIFFIN, MRJIMGRIFFIN@AOL.COM, 8/10/12</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
2LT Tuttle was my Plt Leader in 1968 during Tet we had already lost one Plt Leader and Plt Sgt. When Lt Tuttle arrived we were at the Tu Cau Bridge when he reported and that first night he went out on a night ambush with me and my Sqd. He was a good man and became well respected by his troops. I was wounded about a month after he came to Mike 3/27. Shortly after that he transferred to another Plt. and was KIA in early May 1968. Thank you Sir for your service you will not be forgotten.<br />
<cite>CPL. ROY F. PARR, RFPCROWLEY@YAHOO.COM, 4/1/06</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
In remembrance of an honorable and memorable classmate of The Naval Academy, class of '67. "Tut" loved the Marine Corps and valiantly gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country. It was our privilege to have known him.<br />
<br />
Dale and Theta Fink<br />
<cite>DALE A. FINK, DFINK@GATEWAY.NET, 3/13/00</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.pnj.com/story/news/military/2015/11/10/escambia-high-remembers-its-fallen/75223284/ Pensacola News Journal] on November 10, 2015:<br />
<blockquote><br />
… <br />
<br />
The program brought tears to the eyes of retired Army pilot Harry C. Tuttle who lost his 22-year-old brother, U.S. Marines 2nd Lt. Robert E. Tuttle, on May 8, 1968, in Vietnam.<br />
<br />
"He was a really courageous individual," said Tuttle of his younger brother, a 1963 Escambia High grad and 1967 U.S. Naval Academy grad. "I have tears in my eyes, but I am so proud of my brother. (When I pass) I will be laid to rest on top of my brother and next to my mom and dad."<br />
<br />
Harry C. Tuttle served 12 years in the Army and is the son of the late Adm. Magruder Hill Tuttle and his wife, Dorothy. His sister, the late Courtney Ann Tuttle, also was a nurse in the military.<br />
<br />
"I just wish there were more relatives here," said Tuttle, who was at the program with his daughter, Christine Tuttle.<br />
<br />
Christine Tuttle, 35, also never knew her uncle but said she attended the program to honor him.<br />
<br />
…<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[ROBERT J. GRAFF, LT, USN|Robert Graff '67]] and [[ROBERT G. HUGHES, LT, USN|Robert Hughes '67]] were also in 25th Company.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Robert|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=ALAN A. KETTNER, 2LT, USMC|PreviousPersonName=Alan Kettner '67|NextPersonLink=THOMAS J. WEISS, 2LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Thomas Weiss '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Tuttle]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 25th Company|Tuttle]]<br />
[[Category:US Marine Corps|Tuttle]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Tuttle]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Tuttle]]<br />
[[Category:Ground|Tuttle]]<br />
[[Category:3rd Battalion, 27th Marines|Tuttle]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=ROBERT ERVIN TUTTLE}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=ALAN_A._KETTNER,_2LT,_USMC&diff=176133ALAN A. KETTNER, 2LT, USMC2023-11-03T00:42:20Z<p>LeslieBP: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=August 22, 1944|DoD=April 3, 1968|Age=23|name_class=Alan Kettner '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Kettner LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=ALAN ARTHUR KETTNER<br />
|LBHometown=Springfield, Minnesota<br />
|LBText=Alan Arthur Kettner was born on August 22, 1943 in Springfield, Minnesota and lived in this small town for all of his twenty-three years. After graduating from high school he attended Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota for two years. At the Naval Academy Al participated in company cross country and fieldball and was one of the battalion standouts in the mile. During third class summer Al became interested in the Marine Corps and since that time he has worked hard to prepare himself for a successful career in the Corps. With a quiet but dogged determination Al will certainly reach his goal of making a contribution to his country's efforts whether in the Marine Corps or elsewhere. <br />
|LBOther=He was also a member of the 28th Company staff (spring).}}<br />
<br />
== Obituary ==<br />
From the September-October 1968 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
2nd Lt. Alan A. Kettner, USMC, was killed in action 13 April at Thua Thien near Hue, Vietnam, of rifle fire while on patrol. Services were held in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Springfield, Minn., his birthplace, with interment in the church cemetery. Military rites were conducted by the John Watson Post of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.<br />
<br />
Lt. Kettner attended Macalester College two years before entering the Naval Academy, from where he was graduated in 1967. He was a member of the cross country team and of Operation Information as a midshipman. He had been president of his senior high school class and was the school's representative to the Model United Nations Assembly at Winnipeg, Canada.<br />
<br />
Following graduation from the Academy, Lt. Kettner completed basic training at Marine Corps School, Quantico, Va., and was assigned to Company B, First Battalion, 27th Marines, First Division. He had been in Vietnam less than two months.<br />
<br />
Surviving are his mother, Mrs. Arthur F. Kettner of Springfield, Mn.; two sisters, Mrs. Bernard Berberich of Comfrey and Mrs. Peter Pint of Sanborn, Minn., and seven nieces and nephews. His father died when he was five years old.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/45084075 is buried in] Minnesota.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px><br />
File:1967 Kettner 1.jpg|From the July 1968 issue of ''Shipmate''.<br />
File:1967 Kettner 2.jpg|Photo courtesy of William Belden '67<br />
File:1967 Kettner 3.jpg|Photo courtesy of William Belden '67<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Alan was killed by rifle fire while on patrol in Vietnam on April 13, 1968. He was serving with the United States Marine Corps in its infantry division near Thua Thein Province, near Hue, South Vietnam.<br />
<br />
According to the letter of condolence from Captain W.T. Sweeney to Alan’s mother, Edna Kettner:<br />
<br />
“Alan’s platoon was assigned to participate in a search and clear operation in the village of Thon An Lua, Vietnam. As the platoon approached the village, they came under intense enemy machine gun and small arms fire. They immediately formed a defense position and returned fire. While directing his men, Alan was mortally wounded by the enemy gunfire.<br />
<br />
Alan was one of the finest officers I have ever known. His leadership, uprightness and devotion to duty won for him the respect of all who knew him. “<br />
<br />
Alan Arthur Kettner was born August 22, 1943 to Arthur and Edna Kettner, in Springfield, Minn., and had two sisters, Marlys (Bernard) Berberich, and Mavis (Peter) Pint. Alan has nine nephews and nieces. In 1992, Lori (Berberich) and Joe Schumann named their son, Alan Joseph, in honor of Uncle Alan.<br />
<br />
Alan was the first man from Springfield to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was a member of the cross-country team and of Operation Information as a Midshipman. Prior to his appointment to the Naval Academy, he attended Macalester College for two years. He was a 1961 graduate of Springfield High School. He was president of his senior high school class and was the school’s representative to the Model United Nations Assembly in Winnipeg, Canada.<br />
<br />
Following graduation from the Naval Academy, Alan completed basic training at Marine Corps Officers Training School, Quantico, Va., and was assigned to Company B, First Battalion, 27th Marines, First Division. He had been in Vietnam less than two months when he was killed in action.<br />
<br />
In May 1968, the Springfield Rotary Club established a fund as a memorial to Alan. An scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving male student in the senior class of Springfield Public School.<br />
<br />
Before leaving for Vietnam, Alan wrote a letter to his mother, sisters, and brothers-in-law, to be opened in the event of his death. Following are excerpts from that letter:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Dear Mom and family,<br />
<br />
It seems a little strange to sit down this morning and write this letter and at first impression it may seem strange to you, too, to know I did it. For the past four and a half years I have lived the life of a military man and have learned that an intelligent and efficient officer is in control of his emotions at all times. Therefore, you must know I write this with a clear mind and have thought out the contents beforehand.<br />
<br />
First of all, let me restate my willingness to serve in Vietnam. It is only another step in doing what I believe I owe to God and my country. As you raised me you taught me what is right and wrong, that no one owed me anything, but that I had been given the opportunity to better myself. You took me to church and I learned about God. All this has influenced by thoughts and ideas. I see an attack on the people of another land...both their bodies and their minds...and it disturbs me. I believe they should be allowed to live in peace. This is something the Viet Cong, the North Vietnamese Army and numerous other groups of people will never let others do. I believe my way of serving must be in the Marine Corps. Here I can actually carry out my beliefs by fighting for my country. All this reminds me of the words of Thomas Jefferson written inside his memorial in D. C. “I have sworn before the altar of God eternal hostility toward every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”<br />
<br />
To all of you I say this. Do not let feelings of sadness linger. Rather, think of my willingness to serve. It is my hope that what I have done with my life has made life better for others.<br />
<br />
Your son and brother, Alan<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Thoughts on an uncle I never knew, yet know so well<br />
<br />
By Jennifer Pint<br />
<br />
I was but 19 months old when Uncle Alan left for Vietnam, so I have no personal memories of him. However, through my mother, grandmother, and more recently, many of Alan’s classmates, I feel like I have come to know the extraordinary man who was my uncle. His loss is still felt among my siblings and cousins, as we wonder what kind of man Alan could have and would have become, who he may have married, and the cousins we should have had. What we do not have to wonder about is the incredible impact he made on the lives of those who knew him in his short 24 years, particularly hearing the testimonies and stories of many Naval Academy classmates in recent years. <br />
<br />
<cite>Submitted by: Jennifer Pint, Niece of Alan Kettner, Daughter of Alan’s sister, Mavis Pint</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/27801/ALAN-A-KETTNER Wall of Faces]:<br />
<blockquote><br />
My parents hosted midshipmen at our house from my grade school through college years. Alan visited many times and even continued to visit when we lived in Norfolk, VA. I have wonderful memories of him at family gatherings and at our church in Annapolis. He was a special midshipman. Sue (Seeger) Selters of Claremont CA<br />
<cite>SUE SELTERS, 12/24/14</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Alan, we only worked together for a short time before you left, but I admired your standards and principals. You would have gone far in life. After I got back from overseas, I saw your mother and told her what a great son she has and she should be proud. Now when I get back to our small town, I visit our cemetery to say hello to my mother, your mother and you. It may be your resting place, but I'm sure your spirit soars with your other lost brothers. Too short of a life!<br />
<cite>PAUL SCHMIDT, 7/13/03</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hello Sir,<br />
<br />
I wanted you to know that we (Your Marines) did all we could that awful day. The force we ran into turned out to be far stronger than expected. You were one of the very first men to fall. I found the radio and your map, then tried to call mortars on the enemy positions, but I was also hit before they could fire. I regret to report we got badly chopped up, sir.<br />
<br />
We were caught and pinned in a three-way triangulation of fire. Whichever way a Marine moved, he ran into automatic weapon beaten zones. Many Marines became casualties on that day before Easter Sunday. You know what's strange? I was really looking forward to that hot Easter meal we were promised. Its odd, what you miss in the midst of combat.<br />
<br />
Sgt. May, 1st squadleader, rallied the men and restored some order in the midst of all that chaos. He and Sgt Keaveny did real well, sir. I think you would have been proud of them, and just wanted you to know that. I can't say where our Platoon Sergeant went. I didn't see him since before initial contact, but recently heard he was uninjured that day.<br />
<br />
Sir, we tried to do right by you. Sitting in Heaven, watching your platoon fight to live, must have been highly frustrating. I just hope you weren't too disappointed. Did you help deflect some of the bullets that flashed past us? I'd like to think so.<br />
<br />
Lieutenant, I know you and I had some off moments, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to serve under your command. You were a very dedicated officer. I believe you would have gone far in the Marine Corps, if only you had survived. Can you imagine it? ...General Kettner! Has a kind of nice ring to it; don't you think so?<br />
<br />
Sir, your untimely death was our loss.<br />
<br />
Requiescat en Pace, Amen.<br />
<cite>JAVIER CASCOS - LCPL, 3RD SQDLDR, 2ND PLT., BRAVO CO. 1ST BN., 27TH MARINES, 9/25/02</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
'''A great classmate'''<br />
<br />
Al and I spent many late nights cramming together for exams. He was hard-working, honest, and courageous.<br />
<cite>BARRY POLLARA, 10/4/01</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Family ==<br />
[https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/45084075 Alan was survived] by his mother and two sisters, Mrs. Bernard (Marlys) Berberich of Comfrey and Mrs. Peter (Mavis) Pint of Sunburn.<br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[THOMAS J. WEISS, 2LT, USMC|Thomas Weiss '67]] was also in 28th Company. <br />
Alan was a groomsman at the [https://www.newspapers.com/image/440524232/?terms=%22Alan%20Kettner%22&match=1 June, 1967 wedding] at the USNA Chapel of classmate [[JOSEPH_T._JOHNSON,_LTJG,_USN|Joseph T. Johnson]].<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Alan|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=HENRY A. WRIGHT, 2LT, USMC|PreviousPersonName=Henry Wright '67|NextPersonLink=ROBERT E. TUTTLE, 2LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Robert Tuttle '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 28th Company|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:US Marine Corps|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:Ground|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:1st Battalion, 27th Marines|Kettner]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=ALAN ARTHUR KETTNER}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=JOSEPH_T._JOHNSON,_LTJG,_USN&diff=174235JOSEPH T. JOHNSON, LTJG, USN2023-10-22T23:18:57Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Loss */ removed address</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|name_class=Joseph Johnson '67|DoB=January 5, 1945|DoD=January 29, 1969|Age=24}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Johnson LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=JOSEPH THOMAS JOHNSON<br />
|LBHometown=Mount Carmel, Illinois<br />
|LBText="Digger" came to Navy right after high school after spending the earlier years of his life in Mount Carmel, Illinois. Academics took a lot of his time, as they never come easy, and he had to make up for a bad start plebe year. Joe's athletic talent was varied as he was always looking for a new sport to try his hand at. He was a member of the plebe fencing team and quite a variety of intramural teams ranging from lacrosse to crew. Not to be limited to athletics, Joe could always be depended upon for a game of bridge, his only real downfall. Joe's love of the outdoors, lead him to strive for a career in the Marine Corps, but his desire to succeed and his enthusiasm for life promise to make him a valuable asset to the Naval Service no matter what branch of the service he decides upon.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
From the April 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt.(jg) Joseph T. Johnson, USN, died 29 Jan. as a result of an aircraft accident near the Naval Air Station at Whiting Field, Milton, Fla. Services were held at the Arlington National Cemetery Chapel, with interment in Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
Lt. (jg) Johnson was born in Princeton, Ind., and was graduated from the Naval Academy with the class of 1967. A member of the Twenty-first Company at the Academy, he participated in fencing, lacrosse and crew. He had basic air training at Pensacola, Fla., followed by duty with Training Squadron One at Saufley Field and with Training Squadron Three at Whiting Field. He completed advanced training with Training Squadron 27 at Corpus Christi, Tex., and received his wings in October 1968. Lt.(jg) returned to VT-3 as a formation flight instructor.<br />
<br />
Survivors include his widow Shirley of Milton, Fl., and his parents Mr. and Mrs. Hal R. Johnson of Mt. Carmel, Il.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From researcher Kathy Franz:<br />
<blockquote><br />
He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1963: FLC; FTA; Actprocons (Club for drama and speech with his father pictured behind him); Sibylline Staff; Class Play (played George Gibbs in Our Town); Football; Track. Voted: Most Amorous.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49238556 is buried in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
LT (jg) Joe Johnson died in an aircraft accident on 29 Jan 69 returning to NAS Whiting Field in Milton, FL after a routine formation training flight while attached to VT-3. He received his wings in October 68 and was assigned, along with classmates Howie Johnston (21), Bob Crockett (34), Ken Barausky (13) and Rick Cazenave (16) to Whiting as a flight instructor. Joe was a Naval Academy graduate with the class of 1967 and a member of the 21st company. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Johnson 1.jpg|From the April 1969 issue of ''Shipmate''<br />
File:1967 Johnson 2.jpg|From his high school yearbook<br />
File:1967 Johnson 3.jpg|From his high school yearbook<br />
File:1967 Johnson 4.jpg|Joe and his dad, Hal, in the Actprocons Club<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[ROBERT R. BOSSERT, MIDN, USN|Robert Bossert '67]] was in 21st Company as a 3/c; if the companies didn't shuffle then he was with Joseph.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Joseph|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=JOHN P. HARRINGTON, LTJG, USN|PreviousPersonName=John Harrington '67|NextPersonLink=HAL C. CASTLE, JR., LTJG, USN|NextPersonName=Hal Castle, Jr. '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 21st Company|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:USN|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Johnson]]<br />
[[Category:Training Squadron (VT) 3|Johnson]]</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=JOHN_P._HARRINGTON,_LTJG,_USN&diff=174234JOHN P. HARRINGTON, LTJG, USN2023-10-22T23:12:45Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Loss */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=February 19, 1945|DoD=September 28, 1968|Age=23|name_class=John Harrington '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Harrington LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=JOHN PETER HARRINGTON<br />
|LBHometown=South Orange, New Jersey<br />
|LBText=John came to the Academy from Seton Hall Prep after turning down appointments to the Military and Coast Guard Academies. Unable to play football due to a shoulder separation, John ran plebe track before settling down to the intramural sports. Academics were always easy for John, and he spent numerous evenings sacrificing his own work to help his classmates. John also busied himself with numerous activities, especially the Brigade Activities Committee. His moans filled the air one homecoming game when the fort he took hours to build was leveled by the William and Mary Indians. Whether he goes Naval Air or Nuclear Power, John will certainly be a big asset to the fleet. <br />
|LBOther=He was also a member of the 6th Battalion staff (winter).}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
John lost on September 28, 1968 when the aircraft he was piloting crashed near Kingsville, Texas. He was serving with Training Squadron (VT) 22 at Kingsville in the advanced jet flight program. His plane was [https://www.newspapers.com/image/756883229/?terms=Freer%20F-9%20crash&match=1 one of three jets] on a navigation training flight.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From the January 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt. Harrington was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., and graduated from the Naval Academy with the class of 1967. He completed basic flight training at Pensacola, Fla., before his assignment at Kingsville.<br />
<br />
Surviving are his widow, Victoria R., of Haddonfield, N. J.; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Harrington of South Orange, N. J.; four brothers, William, Dennis, Michael and Paul; and five sisters, Pegeen, Jane, Patricia, Kathleen and Mary Elise.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
John hailed from South Orange, New Jersey, where he graduated from Seton Hall Prep in 1963. He was an all-state football player and Student Body President at Seton Hall, and also had appointments to both West Point and the Coast Guard Academy before choosing USNA.<br />
<br />
While he was at USNA, John was not content to just get through the curriculum. He took extra courses in aerodynamics and aerospace in the hopes of becoming an astronaut, and spent many hours with our late classmate Mike Smith working on these courses. He was also a member of the Brigade Honor Committee and a 3 striper first class year. Additionally, he spent many hours helping classmates with their academics and more than a few credit him with helping them graduate from USNA.<br />
<br />
In sports, a separated shoulder in high school football prevented him playing football at Navy. Interestingly, John said he enjoyed playing intramurals with the 33 Mets as much or more as high school athletics. He played lightweight football Youngster year, and almost starved himself to death in order to make the one weigh in at the beginning of the season. A ferocious blocker and pass protector, he was instrumental in helping the Mets to an outstanding season. He was also a stalwart on the fieldball team, once breaking his nose, and just moving it back in place to and kept playing.<br />
<br />
John went to Pensacola after graduation for aviation flight training, the first step in his dream of becoming an astronaut. He was killed tragically on a training flight in an F-9 near Kingsville, Texas on September 28, 1968. John was survived by his wife of 6 weeks, the former Vicki Sclafani and numerous friends, both in and out of the Navy, who mourn his loss to this day. <br />
<br />
<cite>Submitted by Jim Perley</cite><br />
</blockquote> <br />
<br />
John is [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/92317914 buried in New Jersey.]<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Harrington 1.jpg|From the January 1969 issue of ''Shipmate''.<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[GREGG O. OWENS, CDR, USN|Gregg Owens '67]] was also in 33rd Company.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=John|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=THOMAS J. WEISS, 2LT, USMC|PreviousPersonName=Thomas Weiss '67|NextPersonLink=JOSEPH T. JOHNSON, LTJG, USN|NextPersonName=Joseph Johnson '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Harrington]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 33rd Company|Harrington]]<br />
[[Category:USN|Harrington]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Harrington]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Harrington]]<br />
[[Category:Training Squadron (VT) 22|Harrington]]</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=JOHN_P._HARRINGTON,_LTJG,_USN&diff=173193JOHN P. HARRINGTON, LTJG, USN2023-08-21T17:50:06Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */ addresses removed</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=February 19, 1945|DoD=September 28, 1968|Age=23|name_class=John Harrington '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Harrington LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=JOHN PETER HARRINGTON<br />
|LBHometown=South Orange, New Jersey<br />
|LBText=John came to the Academy from Seton Hall Prep after turning down appointments to the Military and Coast Guard Academies. Unable to play football due to a shoulder separation, John ran plebe track before settling down to the intramural sports. Academics were always easy for John, and he spent numerous evenings sacrificing his own work to help his classmates. John also busied himself with numerous activities, especially the Brigade Activities Committee. His moans filled the air one homecoming game when the fort he took hours to build was leveled by the William and Mary Indians. Whether he goes Naval Air or Nuclear Power, John will certainly be a big asset to the fleet. <br />
|LBOther=He was also a member of the 6th Battalion staff (winter).}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
John lost on September 28, 1968 when the aircraft he was piloting crashed near Kingsville, Texas. He was serving with Training Squadron (VT) 22 at Kingsville in the advanced jet flight program.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From the January 1969 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt. Harrington was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., and graduated from the Naval Academy with the class of 1967. He completed basic flight training at Pensacola, Fla., before his assignment at Kingsville.<br />
<br />
Surviving are his widow, Victoria R., of Haddonfield, N. J.; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Harrington of South Orange, N. J.; four brothers, William, Dennis, Michael and Paul; and five sisters, Pegeen, Jane, Patricia, Kathleen and Mary Elise.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
John hailed from South Orange, New Jersey, where he graduated from Seton Hall Prep in 1963. He was an all-state football player and Student Body President at Seton Hall, and also had appointments to both West Point and the Coast Guard Academy before choosing USNA.<br />
<br />
While he was at USNA, John was not content to just get through the curriculum. He took extra courses in aerodynamics and aerospace in the hopes of becoming an astronaut, and spent many hours with our late classmate Mike Smith working on these courses. He was also a member of the Brigade Honor Committee and a 3 striper first class year. Additionally, he spent many hours helping classmates with their academics and more than a few credit him with helping them graduate from USNA.<br />
<br />
In sports, a separated shoulder in high school football prevented him playing football at Navy. Interestingly, John said he enjoyed playing intramurals with the 33 Mets as much or more as high school athletics. He played lightweight football Youngster year, and almost starved himself to death in order to make the one weigh in at the beginning of the season. A ferocious blocker and pass protector, he was instrumental in helping the Mets to an outstanding season. He was also a stalwart on the fieldball team, once breaking his nose, and just moving it back in place to and kept playing.<br />
<br />
John went to Pensacola after graduation for aviation flight training, the first step in his dream of becoming an astronaut. He was killed tragically on a training flight in an F-9 near Kingsville, Texas on September 28, 1968. John was survived by his wife of 6 weeks, the former Vicki Sclafani and numerous friends, both in and out of the Navy, who mourn his loss to this day. <br />
<br />
<cite>Submitted by Jim Perley</cite><br />
</blockquote> <br />
<br />
John is [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/92317914 buried in New Jersey.]<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Harrington 1.jpg|From the January 1969 issue of ''Shipmate''.<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[GREGG O. OWENS, CDR, USN|Gregg Owens '67]] was also in 33rd Company.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=John|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=THOMAS J. WEISS, 2LT, USMC|PreviousPersonName=Thomas Weiss '67|NextPersonLink=JOSEPH T. JOHNSON, LTJG, USN|NextPersonName=Joseph Johnson '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Harrington]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 33rd Company|Harrington]]<br />
[[Category:USN|Harrington]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Harrington]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Harrington]]<br />
[[Category:Training Squadron (VT) 22|Harrington]]</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=THOMAS_J._WEISS,_2LT,_USMC&diff=173192THOMAS J. WEISS, 2LT, USMC2023-08-21T17:38:40Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Remembrances */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=March 25, 1945|DoD=May 18, 1968|Age=23|name_class=Thomas Weiss '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Weiss LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=THOMAS JOSEPH WEISS<br />
|LBHometown=Havertown, Pennsylvania<br />
|LBText=Tom came to the Academy straight from the University of Pennsylvania. He brought with him a friendly nature, desire to learn and rowing experience from the University of Pennsylvania and the Vesper Boat Club. Tom will be remembered for his practical knowledge on just about any subject. Many of his friends made his room a place where they could readily obtain information on everything from cars to good wine. Tom was always willing to help classmates or underclass with any problem whether it was personal or an everyday problem. Tom's interests ranged from fast cars and crew to the opposite sex, and he pursued them all zealously. This, coupled with his friendly smile and subtle humor, will make Tom a welcomed asset to the Navy and to all around him. <br />
|LBOther=He was also a member of the 28th Company staff (winter).}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Thomas was killed in action in South Vietnam on May 18, 1968 by enemy rifle fire while on patrol near Quang Nam. He was a platoon commander with Company M, Third Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From the September-October 1968 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt. Weiss was born in Washington, D. C, and attended the University of Pennsylvania one year before entering the Naval Academy, where he was a member of the crew. Following graduation in 1967 he completed basic training at Marine Corps School, Quantico, Va., and was attached to M Company, 3d Battalion, 27th Regiment, 5th Marine Division. He had been wounded in action in Vietnam last April, and was awarded the Purple Heart.<br />
<br />
He is survived by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. William A. Weiss, Havertown, Pa.; three brothers, Capt. James W. Weiss, USA, of Ft. Bliss, Texas; Donald J. Weiss, who attends Villanova University, and Robert D. Weiss, a cadet at the Military Academy. Also his paternal grandfather, Anthony N. Weiss, and his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Agnes T. Wertzberger.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/65746608 Find A Grave:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
The Philadelphia Inquirer - 30 May 1968<br />
<br />
Marine Officer Killed by Sniper in S. Vietnam<br />
<br />
A Marine officer who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy less than a year ago was killed by rifle fire on May 18 while on patrol near Quang Nam in South Vietnam.<br />
<br />
He was Second Lt. Thomas J. Weiss, 23, Edgehill dr. near Winton, Havertown. He was attached to M Company 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division. He was wounded in action in Vietnam only last April 8 and was awarded the Purple Heart.<br />
<br />
Lieutenant Weiss was graduated from Waldron Academy in 1958. He was a member of the rowing and swimming teams at St. Joseph's College High School, from where he was graduated in 1962. He also rowed for the Vesper Boat Club and was a member of the Llanerch Country Club swimming team. He was a freshman rower at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied one year on a Navy Reserve Officers Corps scholarship, and a rower at the Naval Academy where he matriculated in 1964.<br />
<br />
Surviving are his father, Dr. William A. Weiss, a physician; his mother, the former Agnes Elizebeth Wertzsberger; three brothers, Capt. James W. (USA), Donald J. and Robert D. a West Point plebe; his paternal grandfather, Anthony N. Weiss, and his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Agnes T. Wertzsberger.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Thomas is [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/65746608/thomas-joseph-weiss buried] in Springfield, PA.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Weiss 1.jpg|From the July 1968 issue of ''Shipmate''.<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Tom attended a high school in Philadelphia and excelled in rowing on the Schuylkill River. After winning an NROTC scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania, he decided that the Navy and rowing was what he wanted to pursue. He entered the Naval Academy and enjoyed success both in fun and rowing. He completed Airborne training during one summer and found time to visit his older brother, Jim USMA ’62 and his wife Rainey in Germany while on summer cruise. Tom decided to choose the Marine Corps because of the outstanding example that his Marine tactical officer had set. Also, during his first class year he had a 750cc Triumph motorcycle parked in town and rode it as often as he could to include going across our great country. <br />
<br />
Upon graduation, Tom completed Marine Officer training and during Tet ’68, he boarded a ship and went to the Republic of Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division arriving in country February 17, 1968. After being wounded on April 8th and going back into combat, he was killed by hostile fire on May 18, 1968 having died outright in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam while serving as Platoon Commander with Company M, Third Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, First Marine Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” device and the Purple Heart (2d Award) posthumously. Tom was interred in Saint Peter and Paul Cemetery in suburban Philadelphia with full military honors. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/55102/THOMAS-J-WEISS?page=2#remembrances Wall of Faces:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
Tom was my classmate and company mate at the Naval Academy. He was courageous and a man of great integrity. He and his two roommates stuck together like brothers. I miss Tom. He was a big, lovable guy.<br />
<cite>BARRY POLLARA, 10/4/01</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Tom graduated from Waldron Academy in 1958. Coming from a somewhat large family, Tom and his three brothers attended St. Joe’s Prep School. He was a member of the rowing and swimming teams at St. Joe’s Prep where he graduated in 1962. Tom also rowed for the Vesper Boat Club and was a member of the Llanerch Country Club swimming team. During his high school years he taught his younger brother how to drive, row and smoke.<br />
<br />
Tom attended college at the University of Pennsylvania for one full year on a Naval Reserve Office Corps scholarship. He then changed schools and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. At Annapolis, he tended to bend the rules; Tom owned a corvette and a motorcycle and according to his brother, participated in crazy carnival events such as wrestling an orangutan. Following graduation in 1967 he completed basic training at Marine Corps School in Quantico, Virginia.<br />
<br />
Tom wrote letters to his family expressing how he had believed that the U.S. should have always been in Vietnam. From January ‘68 to May of that year his letters questioned how people were treated in Vietnam. He wrote to his family back home that he felt he was never coming back and that he was going to be killed in the war. This was after he had been wounded and had been awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for “Valor”.<br />
<br />
Tom Weiss perished in the service of our country on May 18, 1968. He was killed by enemy rifle fire while on patrol near Quang Nam. His short life is an extraordinary tale of love, bravery, and tragedy all at the same time. He may be gone physically yet in reality, he will forever live in the hearts of those who knew him.<br />
<br />
Today a new generation of high school students learn about Tom Weiss as they learn about the Vietnam War at Upper Darby High School. We remember his service to our nation and his courage. We honor his memory. Semper Fi Tom<br />
<cite>DAVE TATUM, DAVETATUM@AOL.COM, 2/5/04</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Additional remembrances from childhood friends can be found at: [https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/55102/THOMAS-J-WEISS/ The Wall of Faces].<br />
<br />
== Bronze Star ==<br />
Unable to find the citation for the Bronze Star mentioned in his obituary.<br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[ALAN A. KETTNER, 2LT, USMC|Alan Kettner '67]] was also in 28th Company.<br />
<br />
{{NewClassNavigator|Name=Thomas|HonoreesInClass=34|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=ROBERT E. TUTTLE, 2LT, USMC|PreviousPersonName=Robert Tuttle '67|NextPersonLink=JOHN P. HARRINGTON, LTJG, USN|NextPersonName=John Harrington '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 28th Company|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:USMC|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:Ground|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:3rd Battalion, 27th Marines|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:Bronze Star|Weiss]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=THOMAS JOSEPH WEISS}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=LANCE_FREMD,_MIDN,_USN&diff=172411LANCE FREMD, MIDN, USN2023-08-11T15:07:15Z<p>LeslieBP: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=July 15, 1951|DoD=August 6, 1972|Age=21|name_class=Lance Fremd '73}}<br />
{{Info|Hometown=Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania}}<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1972unse|class=1973<br />
|picture=1973 Fremd LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=Lance Fremd<br />
|LBText=Sunset and evening star,<br /><br />
And one clear call for me!<br /><br />
And may there be no moaning of the bar,<br /><br />
When I put out to sea,<br />
</p><p><br />
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,<br /><br />
Too full for sound and foam,<br /><br />
When that which drew from out the boundless deep<br /><br />
Turns again home.<br />
</p><p><br />
Twilight and evening bell,<br /><br />
And after that the dark!<br /><br />
And may there be no sadness of farewell,<br /><br />
When I embark;<br />
</p><p><br />
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place<br /><br />
The flood may bear me far,<br /><br />
I hope to see my Pilot face to face<br /><br />
When I have crost the bar.<br />
</p><p><br />
— Tennyson}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Lance died in a [https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1144&dat=19750105&id=8VsqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wlUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7181,667618&hl=en skydiving accident] on August 6, 1972 in Ridgely, MD.<br />
<br />
From [https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/149298041/ The Pittsburgh Press:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
EASTON, Md. - A Pittsburgh area midshipman at the U. S. Naval Academy plunged to his death in a skydiving accident near here. Lance Fremd, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. Osborne Fremd, 900 Valley View Road, Mount Lebanon, was diving at the Pelican Sports Aviation Air Field yesterday when his main parachute failed to open and backup chute became entangled, authorities said. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Memorial Hospital. Fremd was starting his fourth year at Annapolis. He was a 1969 graduate of Mount Lebanon High School. Besides his parents, survivors are two sisters and a brother. Services will be at 7 p. m. tomorrow at the Naval Academy chapel and burial will be in the U. S. Naval Cemetery there.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/58175483/lance-fremd is buried in] the Naval Academy cemetery.<br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
A meeting room at Dahlgren Hall was dedicated in Lance's memory during renovations in 1975. From an article announcing that dedication in [https://www.newspapers.com/image/147347846/?terms=lance%20fremd&match=1 The Pittsburgh Press] on January 5, 1975:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lance was a first-classman and planned to become a Marine Corps pilot after graduating as a second ileutenant. <br />
<br />
It had been tough getting that far, his parents knew. There still were some rough spots ahead. <br />
<br />
But, quietly and with great confidence, he long had set his goals. <br />
<br />
And, with a dedication that had surprised them when he was younger, he had pursued them. <br />
<br />
Lance, for example, had wanted to sail on the ocean, and he went to sea at 14 aboard the schooner, Brilliant, out of Mystic, Conn. <br />
<br />
The family lived in Harrison, N. Y. then. Lance, aiming at the Naval Academy, joined the Sea Scouts. <br />
<br />
He decided to compete for one of nine berths on the crew of the Scout ship which was scheduled for a 10-day cruise along the Atlantic Coast. <br />
<br />
The Fremds were doubtful anyone his age could win such a competition with much older youths, but Lance proved them wrong. <br />
<br />
He also joined the Harrison High School swimming team, winning a letter before the Fremds moved to Mount Lebanon. <br />
<br />
Lance was a junior when he arrived at Mount Lebanon and bent on breaking away from land once again, this time with the sky his goal. <br />
<br />
He took flying lessons, paying for them himself with money he had saved delivering newspapers. <br />
<br />
Lance never lost sight of the Naval Academy, although he knew it would be toucher getting an appointment from a local congressman because he was a stranger. <br />
<br />
To make himself known to the late U. S. Rep. James G. Fulton, Lance went campaigning. <br />
<br />
"He drafted a resume stating his credentials and went calling on 200 business and community leaders," said his dad. <br />
<br />
"To those who would talk to him, he asked, 'Could you please write a letter to the congressman recommending he appoint me to the academy?" <br />
<br />
It was Lance's own idea. But it was obvious a bit of his dad's skill as a sales executive for PPG Industries had guided him. <br />
<br />
Then, said Mrs. Fremd, when Richard Nixon came to Pittsburgh in 1968 during a campaign swing, Lance said he was going to get his recommendation, too. <br />
<br />
His parents were dubious. But Lance hitched his chances of meeting Nixon to the Mount Lebanon High School Band and Rockettes. They were to greet the candidate at the airport. <br />
<br />
"Lance waited for the ceremonial lull he fully expected would occur," said Mrs. Fremd, "When it did, Lance rushed up to Nixon, who was not yet the President. " <br />
<br />
'Mr. Nixon,' he pleaded, 'Will you read this?'<br />
<br />
"Nixon said; certainly, he would, and took the resume. But he gave it to an aide who pocketed it. So, we were fearful Nixon wouldn't read it. <br />
<br />
"As it turned out, Nixon not only read it, he wrote Congressman Fulton asking him to consider strongly giving Lance an appointment." <br />
<br />
Fulton did. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Lance|ClassYear=1973|NextPersonLink=FREDERICK R. MINIER, ENS, USN|NextPersonName=Frederick Minier '73}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1973|Fremd]]<br />
[[Category:USN|Fremd]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Fremd]]<br />
[[Category:Parachute|Fremd]]</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=ANDREW_A._RASMUSSEN,_LCDR,_USNR&diff=172281ANDREW A. RASMUSSEN, LCDR, USNR2023-08-11T15:07:07Z<p>LeslieBP: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=September 14, 1946|DoD=March 16, 1985|Age=38|name_class=Andrew Rasmussen '68}}<br />
{{Info|Hometown=California}}<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1968unse|class=1968<br />
|picture=1968 Rasmussen LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=ANDREW ANTHONY RASMUSSEN<br />
|LBText=Andy — better known as "Drew" came to us at Mother B from his mothers loving arms at the tender age of seventeen. With a background of high school athletics (3 sport letterman), ASB President, and outstanding academics, Drew was not about to let his age bother him.<br />
</p><p><br />
His quick wit and tremendous personality made him one of the best liked and respected members of his class. When elected class Vice-President youngster year, Andy did much to help both his classmates and school. <br />
</p><p><br />
Yet Andy's biggest struggle was not on the varsity football field or any other normal activity. His toughest battle was an hourly struggle with the pad monster, one which he was forever losing.<br />
</p><p><br />
With his many outstanding qualities and great leadership potential, Andy is certain to have a very promising career with the Navy.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Andrew was lost on March 16, 1985 when the F/A-18 he was piloting crashed into a shallow lake in Nevada. He was engaged in a practice strike, flying from Fallon NAS, Nevada, in an aircraft that was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125.<br />
<br />
From [https://www.newspapers.com/image/749097139/?terms=Andrew%20Rasmussen&match=1 The Lemoore Advance] on March 21, 1985:<br />
<blockquote><br />
A selected air reserve pilot from Evergreen, Colo., Rasmussen was on annual active duty with VFA-303. The squadron is the only reserve unit to fly the FA-18 —an effort by Navy Secretary John Lehman to modernize the reserve forces— although the Golden Hawks have yet to take actual possession of a Hornet. The aircraft involved in the crash was assigned to VFA-125, the Hornet training unit based at Lemoore.<br />
<br />
VFA-303, flying the A-7B Corsair at Alameda NAS until moving to Lemoore in January of 1984, includes four full-time reserve officers and 11 selected air reservist pilots. Because of the delay in receiving the Hornet tire Golden Hawks have trained with VFA-125.<br />
<br />
The squadron has been operating as a unit at LNAS and Fallon this month.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From researcher Kathy Franz:<br />
<blockquote><br />
The final decision about his death was that Andrew became disoriented seconds before he crashed -- attributed to losing “situational awareness” while on a practice bombing run. In civilian life, he was an insurance agent.<br />
<br />
His parents were Mrs. and Mrs. Eric Rasmussen. He graduated from Fresno High School in 1964. He was sophomore class president, junior class president, student body president, and belonged to the Senate. He was a delegate to California Boys State for the American Legion and was a member of the varsity football, basketball and swimming teams. Along with 11 others, he was awarded membership in Service “F” for outstanding participation and citizenship in school activities. As a sophomore, he was an officer in the Latin Club. His father taught U.S. History at the high school. He was honored as an outstanding youth by the California Junior Chamber of Commerce at a dinner on June 30 and won a $350 scholarship award. <br />
<br />
At the Naval Academy, he also was in the Foreign Relations Club, the Russian Club, and on the Honor Committee.<br />
<br />
In August 1970, he completed the basic jet training course at Forest Sherman Field at Pensacola which included four arrested carrier landings and four catapult take-offs from the deck of the carrier Lexington.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Andy continued to [https://www.newspapers.com/image/674927473/?terms=%22Andy%20Rasmussen%22%20Naval%20Academy&match=1 play football with former Navy teammates], including Roger Staubach '65, while stationed at Pensacola with the Pensacola Goshawks, the base team that played other military teams and a few southern colleges.<br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/121745457 is buried in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
==Obituary==<br />
From the June 1985 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Cdr. Andrew A. Rasmussen USNR died in a military plane crash at Fallon Air Force Base, Nevada, on 16 March 1985. He was on active duty for training at the time. <br />
<br />
Born in Canton, Illinois, he was appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of California and graduated with the Class of 1968. <br />
<br />
He won his wings as a Naval Aviator in 1970 and flew F-9's with VT-25 at Chase Field, Texas. Later, he flew F-4's with VF-92 from the carrier Constellation and also at NAS Miramar, Calf. His final tour on active duty was with VC-7, also at Miramar, flying A-4's. <br />
<br />
Leaving active duty in December 1976 as a lieutenant, he flew 727's for American Airlines out of New York City. He was a member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Andrew was survived by his wife Julie; a stepson, Chad Turner of Colorado; two stepdaughters, Stacey and Tina Turner, both of Colorado; parents Anne & Eric Rasmussen, of Fresno; two brothers, Sam Rasmussen of San Diego and Mike Rasmussen of Berkeley; and two sisters, Mira A. and Susan Rasmussen, both of San Diego according his [https://www.newspapers.com/image/705329671/?terms=Andrew%20Rasmussen&match=1 Fresno Bee obituary].<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
All three photographs are from his high school yearbook.<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1968 Rasmussen 1.jpg<br />
File:1968 Rasmussen 2.jpg<br />
File:1968 Rasmussen 3.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Memorial Hall Error ==<br />
Andrew was a member of the Navy Reserve at the time of his loss; Memorial Hall has USN.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Andrew|ClassYear=1968|PreviousPersonLink=JOHN F. DALTON, LTCOL, USMC|PreviousPersonName=John Dalton '68}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1968|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 31st Company|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:USNR|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 303|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:MH error-rank]]<br />
{{OpLoss|uncorrected=ANDREW A. RASMUSSEN, LCDR, USN}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=KENNETH_W._ILGENFRITZ,_LCDR,_USN&diff=172271KENNETH W. ILGENFRITZ, LCDR, USN2023-08-11T15:07:05Z<p>LeslieBP: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=May 22, 1946|DoD=January 14, 1978|Age=31|name_class=Kenneth Ilgenfritz '68}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1968unse|class=1968<br />
|picture=1968 Ilgenfritz LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=KENNETH WILLIAM ILGENFRITZ<br />
|LBHometown=Baltimore, Maryland<br />
|LBText="Fritz" took a short ride up Route 2 from Baltimore to come to the Academy and ever since has been heading back down the same road.<br />
</p><p><br />
Every chance he gets, never one to return earlier than 55 seconds before liberty expired, he lived up to his cries of "Give me liberty or give me leave". The "Baltimore Son" could always be found surrounded by a pipe rack, soccer shoes, "soul" music, a best seller, and someone laughing at his unending jokes. Far between trips to the soccer and fieldball fields, the weightlifting rooms, and the blue trampoline, Ken found time to get good grades, especially in Politics and Economics, and a hard earned major in D.Q. With his winning personality and sense of responsibility to be a welcome addition to any wardroom in the Fleet. <br />
|LBOther=He was also a member of the 4th Company staff (2nd and 3rd sets).}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
LCdr. Ilgenfritz, along with LCdr. Thomas J. Davis, Lt. James C. Beamer, Lt. Kenneth Shainess, and Ensign Carlton J. McLawhorn, were killed when the E-2C Hawkeye they were aboard crashed. [https://www.newspapers.com/image/750708232/?terms=Kenneth%20Ilgenfritz&match=1 The State (Columbia, SC)] reported on January 16, 1978:<br />
<blockquote><br />
The pilot told air traffic controllers in Jacksonville Fla moments before impact that he was having control problems. The plane was enroute to Cecil Naval Air Station at Jacksonville when it went down.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Shipmate ==<br />
From the April 1978 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
LCdr. Kenneth William Ilgenfritz USN was killed in an aircraft accident near Wilmington, North Carolina, on 14 January 1978. Memorial services were held at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baltimore, Maryland, on 23 January with interment in the Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.<br />
<br />
Appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of Pennsylvania, he was graduated with the Class of 1968 and entered flight training at once. Upon being designated naval aviator, he joined the carrier <span class='smallcaps'>Intrepid</span> for a three-year tour, then returned to the Naval Academy as an instructor. In June 1977 he returned to sea, joining Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125. He was flying from the carrier <span class='smallcaps'>John F Kennedy</span> as a pilot of an E-2C Hawkeye when the crash occurred. He had recently been commended for his flight record while assigned to the carrier.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He was [https://www.newspapers.com/image/373455706/?terms=Kenneth%20Ilgenfritz&match=1 survived] by his widow, Cheryl, and son Kurt, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; his parents, Kenneth and Rose, and a sister, Patricia, all of Baltimore.<br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/210270928 is buried in] Maryland.<br />
<br />
== Other ==<br />
Kenneth was [https://www.newspapers.com/image/370653996/?terms=Kenneth%20Ilgenfritz&match=1 nominated for "Youth of the Year"] while a student at Dumbarton Junior High School in 1961. He graduated from Parkville High School in 1964 and in [https://www.newspapers.com/image/376904738/?terms=Kenneth%20Ilgenfritz&match=1 1967 he was an usher] at his sister's wedding. [https://www.newspapers.com/image/373457700/?terms=Kenneth%20Ilgenfritz&match=1 He graduated] from the Academy on the Superintendent's List, an honor designation.<br />
<br />
== Remembrance ==<br />
From [http://www.vc12vaw12.org/pdf/vc12vaw12NL_11_2001.pdf VAW-120:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
The most unforgettable character from my VAW-120 AND VAW-121 days would be hands down, Lt. Ken Ilgenfritz. He arrived at VAW-121 in early 1979 as a jg fresh out of flight training and RVAW-120 and was assigned to Det 11. He quickly was advanced within the Det from Maintenance Control Officer to Maintenance Officer. He was a ‘67 USNA grad who had paid attention to all that was being taught there. Mr. Ilgenfritz was without a doubt, the finest Naval Officer that I ever served under during my 23 year career. He was fair, listened to his men, especially his Chiefs and then had the ability to make a quick and well informed decision. He was well liked by Officers and Enlisted alike and was on the fast track to the top. That, however, was not to be. After being assigned to RVAW-120 and being promoted to LCDR, he was subsequently transferred to VAW-125. It was during a flyaway to homeplate from USS JFK that he and his entire crew were lost during a crash near Supply, NC on Jan. 14, 1978. The accident investigation and voice communication from the plane indicated that they had no elevator control over the aircraft. Seems that the decision to bail out was make too late. A real decent human being and totally unforgettable.<br />
<cite>FC Bogler ADRC USN-Ret</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
The [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/aviation-squadron-command-operation-reports/vaw/vaw-125/pdf/1978.pdf Command History of VAW-125] and [https://www.vpnavy.com/vaw125_history.html VAW-125] have some more details.<br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[THOMAS K. TARDY, CAPT, USMC|Thomas Tardy '68]] was also in 4th Company.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Kenneth|ClassYear=1968|PreviousPersonLink=JOHN P. HOGAN, LCDR, USN|PreviousPersonName=John Hogan '68|NextPersonLink=THOMAS K. TARDY, CAPT, USMC|NextPersonName=Thomas Tardy '68}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1968|Ilgenfritz]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 4th Company|Ilgenfritz]]<br />
[[Category:USN|Ilgenfritz]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Ilgenfritz]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Ilgenfritz]]<br />
[[Category:Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125|Ilgenfritz]]</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=RICHARD_F._BURNS,_JR.,_LCDR,_USN&diff=172267RICHARD F. BURNS, JR., LCDR, USN2023-08-11T15:07:05Z<p>LeslieBP: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=October 15, 1945|DoD=December 7, 1976|Age=31|name_class=Richard Burns, Jr. '68}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1968unse|class=1968<br />
|picture=1968 Burns LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=RICHARD FRANCIS BURNS, JR. <br />
|LBText="Burnsie" mastered the many challenges presented by life at USNA after a year at the University of Washington. Never one to find academics the ideal way to spend an evening, Dick none the less, proved to the Engineering Department that he could successfully survive their persistent attacks.<br />
</p><p><br />
Dick was a welcome addition to intramural football, basketball and especially Softball where he demonstrated his ability as a team player and an energetic competitor. Even though he kept busy with athletic and academic endeavors, Dick still found time to command the company during the first set and to serve on the Ring Dance Committee.<br />
</p><p><br />
With his warm personality and fun-loving attitude, Burnsie was always available for a good time, except on those mysterious weekends in which he disappeared to Murray Hill, New Jersey.<br />
</p><p><br />
There's no mystery as to Burnsie's goal after graduation, however, and that's through the Pensacola pipeline to Phantoms. <br />
|LBOther=Richard was a member of the 3rd set of 10th Company Leadership.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
From [https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=82553 Aviation Safety:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lieutenant Cdr. Richard Burns was Killed 7 Dec 1976 flying F-4J BuNo 153875 from the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43). Aircraft came down in the Western Pacific. RIO, Lt.JG M. Checchio, ejected safely and was rescued. <br />
<br />
According to contemporary reports the F-4J suffered the loss of an afterburner on launch, and both crewmen ejected safely. Although the rescue helicopter was on scene 18 seconds later, by the time the SAR helicopter's rescue swimmer was in the water, the pilot was seen to have been dragged under the surface by his parachute.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/172192092/richard-f.-burns Find A Grave:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
I want to post my condolences to the family of LtCdr Burns. I was the SAR swimmer on duty that day flying starboard delta with HC-1, and was on scene during the recovery. My prayers go out to his family. We did all we could to save him. God Bless.<br />
<cite> Benjamin Luera, November 23, 2019</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
The aircraft belonged to Fighter Squadron (VF) 191, but [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/172192092 this Find A Grave posting] indicates he was [http://www.usscoralsea.net/deployments.php likely a member of CVW-15.]<br />
<br />
From researcher Kathy Franz: "Survivors were his wife and three children." Early [https://www.newspapers.com/image/735763334/?terms=%22Richard%20Burns%22&match=1 newspaper reports] of the loss did not reference family beyond Bridgett and the children.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Richard|ClassYear=1968|PreviousPersonLink=GARWOOD W. BACON, LT, USN|PreviousPersonName=Garwood Bacon '68|NextPersonLink=JOHN P. HOGAN, LCDR, USN|NextPersonName=John Hogan '68}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1968|Burns]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 10th Company|Burns]]<br />
[[Category:USN|Burns]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Burns]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Burns]]<br />
[[Category:Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15|Burns]]</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=GARWOOD_W._BACON,_LT,_USN&diff=172265GARWOOD W. BACON, LT, USN2023-08-11T15:07:05Z<p>LeslieBP: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=May 17, 1946|DoD=August 23, 1975|Age=29|name_class=Garwood Bacon '68}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1968unse|class=1968<br />
|picture=1968 Bacon LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=GARWOOD WILLIAM BACON<br />
|LBHometown=Palmyra, New Jersey<br />
|LBText=Garwood reported to USNA 2 weeks after his graduation from Palmyra H.S., Palmyra, N.J. as class valedictorian. He was a valuable addition to the plebe baseball team and distinguished himself in the academic field, earning a place on the Dean's list several times. His fine performance, versatility, and friendly disposition enabled him to attain the position of Company Commander his first class year. Those who knew him will remember him as always ready to provide a little entertainment. A student of aeronautical engineering, he aspired to be a naval aviator, assuming he can overcome an acute suffering from motion sickness (He has been known to get seasick on the YP's). G. hopes to be accepted eventually as an astronaut, and should make a fine member of our nation's space team. <br />
|LBOther=He was also a member of the 5th Company staff (1st and 3rd sets).}}<br />
<br />
== Shipmate ==<br />
From the December 1975 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt. Garwood William Bacon USN was lost at sea off the coast of Scotland as the result of a mid-air collision during a refueling exercise on 23 August 1975. Memorial services were held on 26 August in the Calvary Presbyterian Church of Riverton, New Jersey.<br />
<br />
Entering the Naval Academy from the State of New Jersey, he was graduated in the Class of 1968. He later earned a masters degree in aerospace engineering at Princeton University on a Guggenheim Fellowship. After having taken aviation training he was assigned various squadrons where he earned the "Tail Hook Award" for excellence in carrier landings and a "Bull's Eye Award" for accuracy in target bombing. He also developed an intercom system for use in spacecraft training during summer internship at the NASA Space Center in Houston.<br />
<br />
At the time of the fatal accident he was attached to Attack Squadron 35 at the Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and was flying from the <span class='smallcaps'>USS Nimitz</span>. He was to have been named pilot of the year by Attack Squadron 42, a specialized A-6 Intruder aircraft training unit.<br />
<br />
He is survived by his widow, Ruthellen, of Virginia Beach; a son, Garwood W. Jr.; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. Garwood Bacon, Jr. of Riverton; and his grandmother and four brothers including Midn. Glenn Bacon USN '77.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
From [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_accidents_and_incidents_involving_military_aircraft_(1975%E2%80%9379) Wikipedia:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
A Grumman A-6E Intruder, BuNo 149948, 'AJ-500', of VA-35, and an McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II from USS Nimitz collide in midair over the Atlantic Ocean during a refueling maneuver ~600 miles SSW of Scotland. A spokesman said that the two crew of the A-6 were missing and presumed dead while the two Marine crew of the F-4J were recovered. Killed in the accident was the pilot of the A-6, Lt. Garwood Bacon of Riverton, New Jersey, as well as the navigator, Lt. Craig Renshaw of Middletown, Pennsylvania. Lt. Bacon was survived by his wife, Ruthellen (Welker) Bacon and his son, Garwood W. Bacon, Jr., born three weeks after his father's death. Lt. Bacon graduated from the U.S Naval Academy in 1968, was a Guggenheim Fellow at Princeton in Aerospace engineering, had worked with the Houston Space Center, and was likely to be named pilot of the first or second space shuttle.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
The last sentence is cited to "United Press International, "Two Navy Planes Crash in Midair", Playground Daily News, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Tuesday 26 August 1975, Volume 30, Number 172, page 4A."<br />
<br />
A [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/308998/garwood-william-bacon memorial marker] for Garwood is located in Beverly National Cemetery, NJ.<br />
<br />
== Career ==<br />
While at the Academy, Garwood was [https://www.newspapers.com/image/180858707/?terms=%22Garwood%20W.%20Bacon%22%20&match=1 selected as one of four Plebes] from his company to march in the inaugural parade of Lyndon B. Johnson in January, 1965.<br />
<br />
From the [https://www.newspapers.com/image/173005645/?terms=%22Garwood%20W.%20Bacon%22%20&match=1&clipping_id=123059036 The Philadelphia Inquirer], on August 28, 1975, Page 23:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Navy Lt. Garwood W. Bacon always said he wanted to be the first man to land on Mars. As a child in Riverton, N. J., he spent a lot of time looking through telescopes, and after graduating from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1968 he spent a summer internship at the NASA Space Center in Houston, where he developed an intercom system used in a spacecraft trainer.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
And from the [https://www.newspapers.com/image/181257441/?terms=%22Garwood%20W.%20Bacon%22%20&match=1 Courier-Post] of Camden, NJ, on August 26, 1975, Page 12:<br />
<blockquote><br />
During his stint in the Navy, Lt. Bacon had served on three Naval bases and had been selected "instructor of the month" while stationed in Meridian, Miss. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1968 Bacon 1.jpg|From the December 1975 issue of ''Shipmate''.<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[DANIEL W. STILL, LT, USN|Daniel Still '68]] and [[PHILIP S. CLARK, JR., LCDR, USN|Philip Clark, Jr. '68]] were also in 5th Company.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Garwood|ClassYear=1968|PreviousPersonLink=ROBERT P. VINCENT|PreviousPersonName=Robert Vincent '68|NextPersonLink=RICHARD F. BURNS, JR., LCDR, USN|NextPersonName=Richard Burns, Jr. '68}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1968|Bacon]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 5th Company|Bacon]]<br />
[[Category:USN|Bacon]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Bacon]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Bacon]]<br />
[[Category:Attack Squadron (VA) 35|Bacon]]</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=THOMAS_B._WEST,_LT,_USN&diff=172259THOMAS B. WEST, LT, USN2023-08-11T15:07:04Z<p>LeslieBP: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=August 1, 1946|DoD=February 14, 1974|Age=27|name_class=Thomas West '68}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1968unse|class=1968<br />
|picture=1968 West LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=THOMAS BEN WEST<br />
|LBHometown=Pensacola, Florida<br />
|LBText=One can't really call Tom a Navy junior because he's in fact, a Navy Air junior. Talk to him awhile about those wings of gold, and he'll give the impression that's all he's ever wanted. Actually, Tom started flying second class year when he met a certain young lady. Tom's been taking it well, and is even practicing for the future, having taken on a group of young Sunday schoolers from a local Church until he can acquire his own flock of little rug beaters. Tom is preparing for his future career with a major in OPS Analysis. He swam on the varsity squad, and has been active in intramural sports, both rugby and batt water sports. Look up in the sky sometime in the near future; it may well be Tom flying over. <br />
|LBOther=He was also a member of the 13th Company staff (1st and 3rd sets)}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Thomas was lost on February 14, 1974 when the A-4 Skyhawk he was piloting crashed near NAS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. He was a member of Composite Squadron (VC) 8.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From <br />
<blockquote>[https://wc.rootsweb.com/trees/143254/I1128/thomasben-west/individual Ancestry.com:]<br />
Tom West graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1968 and married Elizabeth Jane Goodhart, 8 June 1968. Two children of that marriage are: Thomas Raymond West and Matthew Setser West. <br />
<br />
His sister Carol was promoted to Captain of the USN in January 1996, and is stationed in San Diego, California.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Career == <br />
While a midshipman, Thomas [https://www.newspapers.com/image/264123519/?terms=%22Thomas%20B%20West%22%20&match=1 participated in the Presidential Inauguration ceremonies] for Lyndon B. Johnson's 1965 inauguration. His family [https://www.newspapers.com/image/271074258/?terms=Thomas%20Ben%20West&match=1 lived in Hawaii], and for at least part of the time while he attended the Academy, [https://www.newspapers.com/image/763591352/?terms=Thomas%20Ben%20West&match=1 in the Philippines]. <br />
<br />
Thomas [https://www.newspapers.com/image/264322707/?terms=%22Thomas%20B%20West%22%20&match=1 attended the then new post-graduate program] at the University of West Florida to obtain a Master of Science in Aeronautical Systems in 1969, together with [[JOHN_P._ESPOSITO,_LT,_USN|John P. Esposito '68]].<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1968 West 1.jpg|From the May 1974 issue of ''Shipmate''.<br />
File:1968 West 2.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Shipmate ==<br />
From the May 1974 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt. Thomas Ben West, USN, died on 14 February at sea off the <span class='smallcaps'>USS Colorado</span> near Puerto Rico as a result of an aircraft accident. Memorial services with full military honors and a missing man formation fly-by were held.<br />
<br />
Born in Pensacola, Fla. Lt. West graduated from the Naval Academy in 1968. He received his wings in 1970. He also received a Master's Degree in Aeronautical Systems from the University of West Florida. His first tour was at Naval Air Systems Command in Washington, D.C. At the time of his death he was attached to VC-8, USNS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. At the Academy and throughout his career he was very active with Sunday school. <br />
<br />
He is survived by his widow, Jane, c/o Cdr. Ira West, USN (Ret.) of Houston, TX; two sons, Thomas Raymond and Matthew Setser; his father, Cdr. Ira West, USN (Ret.); his mother; and his sister.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From the Class of 1968 column:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Classmate Tom West was killed in an aircraft accident on 14 February. He was flying for VC-8 out of Roosevelt Roads, P. R. Tom had gone through the Cooperative degree program, and earned his wings as a jet pilot. No details, nor word on what Janie and the two boys are going to do. I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say we share her loss.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He has [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/111526667/thomas-ben-west a memorial marker] in Hawaii.<br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[JOHN P. HOGAN, LCDR, USN|John Hogan '68]] and [[THEODORE R. VIVILACQUA, 2LT, USMC|Theodore Vivilacqua '68]] were also in 13th Company.<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Thomas|ClassYear=1968|PreviousPersonLink=CHRIS L. KATSETOS, LT, USN|PreviousPersonName=Chris Katsetos '68|NextPersonLink=JOHN P. ESPOSITO, LT, USN|NextPersonName=John Esposito '68}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1968|West]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 13th Company|West]]<br />
[[Category:USN|West]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|West]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|West]]<br />
[[Category:Composite Squadron (VC) 8|West]]</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=THOMAS_H._YOUTZ,_MIDN,_USN&diff=172225THOMAS H. YOUTZ, MIDN, USN2023-08-11T15:07:02Z<p>LeslieBP: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=April 27, 1946|DoD=July 17, 1966|Age=20|name_class=Thomas Youtz '68}}<br />
{{Info|Hometown=Glendora, California}}<br />
{{NARegister|FullName=Thomas Howard Youtz<br />
|Hometown="Qual. Alt & Comp."<br />
|date=June 30, 1964<br />
|years=18<br />
|months=2}} His date of birth is given in that edition of the Naval Academy Register. Per the article below, he was a graduate of Glendora High School, California.<br />
<br />
== Lucky Bag ==<br />
Thomas is not mentioned in the 1968 Lucky Bag. <br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
From [https://www.newspapers.com/image/24941451/?terms=tom%20youtz&match=1 The Harlan News-Advertiser] of Harlan, Iowa on August 1, 1966:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Mr and Mrs Allen Scheel received the news of the drowning of their nephew, Tom Youtz, 20, of Glendora, Calif. The drowning occurred in a canal between Southern California and Mexico while the youth was on an outing with two other friends. Reports indicate that he dived into the canal and never returned to surface. Tom had just completed his second year at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, and had only recently returned from a two weeks' Navy cruise to Hawaii. He spent the summer of 1963 with the Allen Scheel family. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. Howard Youtz. His mother is the former Henrietta Scheel. Mrs Allen Scheel and son Allen left this weekend to attend the funeral services in California.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
[https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/43192343/ The Capital from Annapolis, Maryland] on January 27, 1968 carried an article "Youtz Room Dedicated to Memory of Midshipman Drowning Victim". The 29th Company wardroom was dedicated to Tom's memory. "Midshipman Youtz died on July 17, 1966, when he drowned in an irrigation ditch in Mexico while on summer leave. He was a 1964 graduate of Glendora High School, where he was a member of the student council, varsity football and basketball teams."<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From researcher Kathy Franz:<br />
<blockquote><br />
In high school, Thomas was Commissioner of Athletics 4; Scholarship Club 1, 2, 3, 4; Varsity Football 3, 4; Varsity Basketball 3, 4; Baseball 2, 3, 4; A C. S. F. Life member; yearbook staff. Editor’s Farewell: Tommie, whose last name is Yutz, Got the prize for the most unmarked cuts. He’s seen on each page, So that in his old age, It appears that this year he did luts.<br />
<br />
He was appointed to the Naval Academy by Rep. Glen Lipscomb, R-Calif.<br />
<br />
Parents were Mr. and Mrs. Howard Youtz. He was a loan officer with a realtor company; she was a schoolteacher.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Thomas [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/196536208/thomas-howard-youtz is buried in] California.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
All photographs located by researcher Kathy Franz.<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1968 Youtz 1.jpg|Photo from newspaper article announcing his acceptance to the Naval Academy<br />
File:1968 Youtz 2.jpg|Photo from his high school yearbook<br />
File:1968 Youtz 3.jpg|Photo from his high school yearbook<br />
File:1968 Youtz 4.jpg|Photo from his high school yearbook<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
{{MHE|text=== Memorial Hall Error ==<br />
Thomas' loss was not operational and he should not be listed in Memorial Hall.}}<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Thomas|ClassYear=1968|NextPersonLink=RONALD F. CARPENTER, ENS, USN|NextPersonName=Ronald Carpenter '68}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1968|Youtz]]<br />
[[Category:MH error-SBO]]<br />
[[Category:Illness]]</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=FRANCIS_A._RILEY,_LT,_USN&diff=170787FRANCIS A. RILEY, LT, USN2023-08-11T14:55:58Z<p>LeslieBP: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=September 5, 1918|DoD=November 7, 1944|Age=26|name_class=Francis Riley '42}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1942unse|class=1942<br />
|picture=1942 Riley LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=FRANCIS A. RILEY<br />
|LBNickname=''Mickey''<br />
|LBHometown=La Crosse, Wisconsin<br />
|LBText=Mickey doesn't advertise his accomplishments, but when he joined our class from '41 via the hospital route, it was definitely our gain. His disarming smile and gift of blarney meet with complete feminine approval, but like a true Irish lad he loves deeply but not long. With his personality, suave and debonaire and at the same time sincere, Mickey will be a swell shipmate unless the Medical Board gets him.<br />
|LBECAs=''Track 4; 1 Stripe.''<br />
|LBOther=The Class of 1942 graduated on December 19, 1941, less than two weeks after the United States entered World War II. The class had previously been scheduled to graduate in February 1942.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Francis was [http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/riley-f-a.htm lost] when [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Albacore_(SS-218) USS Albacore (SS 218)] was sunk by a mine on November 7, 1944 while on patrol north of Hokkaido.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From researcher Kathy Franz:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Francis was nominated to the Naval Academy by Representative Gardner R. Withrow of La Crosse. He did not take the mental examination as the academy accepted Francis’ certificate from the University of Wisconsin.<br />
<br />
In January 1942, Francis sailed from Honolulu to San Francisco where he listed USS Helena as his address.<br />
<br />
His father was Austin, a conductor on a steam railroad, mother Sylva, and sisters Jeanne and Margaret.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From John Duresky, a historian from La Crosse, Wisconsin, via email on October 21, 2019:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Found some old La Crosse Tribune newspaper articles. In the April 7, 1945 article reporting his death (news of KIA was slow back then, in particular if men were first listed as missing), it says he was first on USS Helena from the time he graduated until three weeks before it was sunk. <span class='smallcaps'>Helena</span> was damaged at Pearl Harbor, saw a lot of action there, went to drydock for repairs, then saw a lot more action I believe while he would have been on it. <span class='smallcaps'>Helena</span> was sunk July 6, 1943, so that puts Lt Riley in submarine service around May 15, 1943. The Albacore hit the carrier Taiho with torpedoes on June 6, 1944, so I would say there is a high probability that Lt Riley was on board during that mission which was incredibly gutsy when you read about it.<br />
<br />
Lt Riley graduated in 1935 from Aquinas High School, a private Catholic school.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
The wreckage site of the Albacore was [https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-navy/2023/02/17/wreckage-of-lost-wwii-sub-discovered-nearly-80-years-later/?utm_campaign=dfn-ebb&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sailthru&SToverlay=2002c2d9-c344-4bbb-8610-e5794efcfa7d confirmed in February, 2023].<br />
<br />
His wife, Lillian Joan Riley, was [http://www.naval-history.net/WW2UScasaaDB-USNbyNameR.htm listed as] next of kin. Francis has [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/124424707/francis-albert-riley a memory marker] in Wisconsin.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1942 Riley LB 1.jpg|From the Lucky Bag<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Francis|ClassYear=1942|PreviousPersonLink=ELTON B. STIRLING, LT, USN|PreviousPersonName=Elton Stirling '42|NextPersonLink=DONALD H. VAN IDERSTINE, LT, USNR|NextPersonName=Donald Van Iderstine '42}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1942|Riley]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 2nd Company|Riley]]<br />
[[Category:USN|Riley]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Riley]]<br />
[[Category:WWII|Riley]]<br />
[[Category:Pacific|Riley]]<br />
[[Category:Submarine|Riley]]<br />
[[Category:USS Albacore (SS 218)|Riley]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=FRANCIS ALBERT RILEY}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=HUGH_R._RIMMER,_LCDR,_USN&diff=170060HUGH R. RIMMER, LCDR, USN2023-08-11T14:50:20Z<p>LeslieBP: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|name_class=Hugh Rimmer '37|DoB=July 30, 1914|DoD=November 7, 1944|Age=30}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1937unse|class=1937<br />
|picture=1937 Rimmer LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=HUGH RAYNOR RIMMER<br />
|LBHometown=San Francisco, California<br />
|LBNickname=''"Rowdy Dow" "Buzz" "Hugh"''<br />
|LBText=Hughie's agreeable personality made him many friends. Unknown admirers were always certain to write him letters after leave, to the extent that all hands endeavored to solve Raynor's social problems. The football team lost his valuable service when he was disabled, but his handicap did not hinder his ability with the oar. To keep peace in this family, we will not mention anything about that cold March day when Hughie's single shell capsized. Ever since then, Rowdy Dow has been looking forward to sunny Cal and his departure from rainy Maryland.<br />
|LBECAs=''Crew 4, 3, 2, 1, N. Football 4, 1, 2, NA. Goat Keeper. Reception Committee. One Stripe.''}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Hugh was [https://www.oneternalpatrol.com/rimmer-h-r.htm lost] when [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Albacore_(SS-218) USS Albacore (SS 218)] was sunk by a mine on November 7, 1944 while on patrol north of Hokkaido. He was the boat's Commanding Officer, having taken command in [http://www.fleetorganization.com/subcommanders3.html early October 1944.]<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From researcher Kathy Franz:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hugh graduated from Galileo High School in San Francisco, played football and was named all-city end after the 1931 football season. He attended Drew’s and the West Point School at Fort Scott. He passed tests for both the Army and Navy academies. Hugh married the former Dorothy Rothacker in August 1939 in Long Island. They met during an Army-Navy game dinner dance during his senior year. While playing for the Navy football team, he dislocated his shoulder in both the 1934 and 1935 seasons.<br />
<br />
His two-year-old daughter Susan was flower maiden at his brother Lieut. James William Rimmer’s wedding in July 1944. James attended the prep school for West Point and later received his commission and was at the A.A.F. Advanced Navigation School at Ellington Field, Houston. Their other brother Major Harmon attended the U.S. Military Academy and was in the Pacific theater of the war. In September 1949, Hugh’s widow married his brother Harmon. Their father was a retired U.S. Army Major.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
The wreckage site of the Albacore was [https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-navy/2023/02/17/wreckage-of-lost-wwii-sub-discovered-nearly-80-years-later/?utm_campaign=dfn-ebb&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sailthru&SToverlay=2002c2d9-c344-4bbb-8610-e5794efcfa7d confirmed in February, 2023].<br />
<br />
His wife was [http://www.naval-history.net/WW2UScasaaDB-USNbyNameR.htm listed as] next of kin.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1937 Rimmer 1.jpg|link=https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/30368243/hugh-raynor-rimmer<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Career ==<br />
From [http://www.fleetorganization.com/subcommandersclassyear3.html Fleet Organization:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
* Duty USS California (BB-44) 1 Jul 1939 - 1 Jul 1940<br />
* Under Instruction Submarine School New London 1 Nov 1940<br />
* Executive Officer USS Rock (SS-2764) 26 Oct 1943 - 31 Mar 1944<br />
* Executive Officer USS Tautog (SS-199) 30 Apr 1944 - 31 Jul 1944<br />
* Captain USS Albacore (SS-218) 3 Oct 1944 - Nov 1944<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
* Ensign 3 Jun 1937<br />
* Lieutenant (j.g.) 3 Jun 1940<br />
* Lieutenant (T) 2 Jan 1942<br />
* Lieutenant Commander (T) 1 Jul 1943<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Silver Star ==<br />
From [http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=56321 Hall of Valor:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Hugh Raynor Rimmer (NSN: 0-78609), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties as Assistant Approach Officer in the U.S.S. TAUTOG (SS-199), during the ELEVENTH War Patrol of that Submarine from 17 April 1944 to 21 May 1944. His ability to furnish his Commanding Officer with a continued flow of valuable information contributed directly to his vessel's success in sinking four enemy ships totaling 20,500 tons. On numerous occasions during severe enemy counter-measures his timely suggestions and inspiring performance contributed to the safety of his ship and her return to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.<br />
<br />
General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 05480 (October 9, 1944)<br/><br />
Action Date: April 17 - May 21, 1944<br/><br />
Service: Navy<br/><br />
Rank: Lieutenant Commander<br/><br />
Company: Assistant Approach Officer<br/><br />
Division: U.S.S. Tautog (SS-199)<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Commendation ==<br />
Sometime before February 1943, Hugh was [http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/archpdf/ah194302.pdf commended] (as a Lieutenant) for "directing the escape of men from a compartment affected by a serious battery fire."<br />
<br />
{{NDexplainer}}<br />
{{ND|date=September 1937|rank=Ensign|command=USS California<br />
|others={{NDcolumns|columns=3|column1=[[GUS B. LOFBERG, JR., LCDR, USN|LT Gus Lofberg, Jr. '27]]<br />[[FRANCIS H. WILLIAMS, LTCOL, USMC|CAPT Francis Williams '30]]<br />[[HENRY C. GEARING, III, LT, USN|ENS Henry Gearing, III '35]]<br />
|column2=[[DEWITT A. HARRELL, CDR, USN|ENS Dewitt Harrell '35]]<br />[[GEORGE A. WAGNER, JR., LCDR, USN|ENS George Wagner, Jr. '36]]<br />[[WALTER B. BAYLESS, LCDR, USN|ENS Walter Bayless '36]]<br />
|column3=[[EARL W. CASSIDY, LT, USN|ENS Earl Cassidy '37]]<br />[[JOHN W. KING, LT, USN|ENS John King '37]]<br />[[GREEN C. GOODLOE, LCDR, USN|ENS Green Goodloe '37]]}}}}<br />
{{ND|date=January 1938|rank=Ensign|command=USS California<br />
|others={{NDcolumns|columns=3|column1=[[GUS B. LOFBERG, JR., LCDR, USN|LT Gus Lofberg, Jr. '27]]<br />[[FRANCIS H. WILLIAMS, LTCOL, USMC|CAPT Francis Williams '30]]<br />[[DEWITT A. HARRELL, CDR, USN|ENS Dewitt Harrell '35]]<br />
|column2=[[GEORGE A. WAGNER, JR., LCDR, USN|ENS George Wagner, Jr. '36]]<br />[[WALTER B. BAYLESS, LCDR, USN|ENS Walter Bayless '36]]<br />[[EARL W. CASSIDY, LT, USN|ENS Earl Cassidy '37]]<br />
|column3=[[JOHN W. KING, LT, USN|ENS John King '37]]<br />[[GREEN C. GOODLOE, LCDR, USN|ENS Green Goodloe '37]]}}<br />
|others2={{NDcolumns|columns=2|column1=[[GEORGE PHILIP, JR., CDR, USN|ENS George Philip, Jr. '35]] (Battle Force)<br />
|column2=}}}}<br />
{{ND|date=July 1938|rank=Ensign|command=USS California<br />
|others={{NDcolumns|columns=3|column1=[[GUS B. LOFBERG, JR., LCDR, USN|LT Gus Lofberg, Jr. '27]]<br />[[DEWITT A. HARRELL, CDR, USN|LTjg Dewitt Harrell '35]]<br />[[EARL W. CASSIDY, LT, USN|ENS Earl Cassidy '37]]<br />
|column2=[[JOHN W. KING, LT, USN|ENS John King '37]]<br />[[GREEN C. GOODLOE, LCDR, USN|ENS Green Goodloe '37]]<br />
|column3=[[WEST A. PAYNE, LT, USN|ENS West Payne '38]]<br />[[DONALD W. HAMILTON, JR., LTJG, USN|ENS Donald Hamilton, Jr. '38]]}}<br />
|others2={{NDcolumns|columns=2|column1=[[HENRY M. MULLINNIX, RADM, USN|CDR Henry Mullinnix '16]] (Battle Force)<br />[[GEORGE PHILIP, JR., CDR, USN|ENS George Philip, Jr. '35]] (Battle Force)<br />
|column2=[[ARTHUR L. GUSTAFSON, LT, USN|ENS Arthur Gustafson '36]] (Battle Force)}}}}<br />
{{ND|date=January 1939|rank=Ensign|command=USS California<br />
|others={{NDcolumns|columns=3|column1=[[GUS B. LOFBERG, JR., LCDR, USN|LT Gus Lofberg, Jr. '27]]<br />[[DEWITT A. HARRELL, CDR, USN|LTjg Dewitt Harrell '35]]<br />
|column2=[[GREEN C. GOODLOE, LCDR, USN|ENS Green Goodloe '37]]<br />[[WEST A. PAYNE, LT, USN|ENS West Payne '38]]<br />
|column3=[[DONALD W. HAMILTON, JR., LTJG, USN|ENS Donald Hamilton, Jr. '38]]}}<br />
|others2={{NDcolumns|columns=2|column1=[[HENRY M. MULLINNIX, RADM, USN|CDR Henry Mullinnix '16]] (Battle Force)<br />[[ARTHUR L. GUSTAFSON, LT, USN|ENS Arthur Gustafson '36]] (Battle Force)<br />
|column2=[[ROBERT A. BONIN, LCDR, USN|ENS Robert Bonin '36]] (Battle Force, US Fleet)}}}}<br />
{{ND|date=October 1939|rank=Ensign|command=USS California<br />
|others={{NDcolumns|columns=3|column1=[[GUS B. LOFBERG, JR., LCDR, USN|LT Gus Lofberg, Jr. '27]]<br />[[WEST A. PAYNE, LT, USN|ENS West Payne '38]]<br />
|column2=[[MONTROSE G. MCCORMICK, LCDR, USN|ENS Montrose McCormick '39]]<br />
|column3=[[CHARLES R. STAPLER, CDR, USN|ENS Charles Stapler '39]]}}<br />
|others2={{NDcolumns|columns=2|column1=[[JOHN C. PATTY, JR., LT, USN|ENS John Patty, Jr. '37]] (Battle Force)<br />
|column2=}}}}<br />
{{ND|date=June 1940|rank=Ensign|command=USS California<br />
|others={{NDcolumns|columns=3|column1=[[JOHN C. RIGGS, JR., LCDR, USN|LT John Riggs, Jr. '28]]<br />[[MONTROSE G. MCCORMICK, LCDR, USN|ENS Montrose McCormick '39]]<br />
|column2=[[CHARLES R. STAPLER, CDR, USN|ENS Charles Stapler '39]]<br />[[THOMAS P. MCGRATH, LCDR, USN|ENS Thomas McGrath '40]]<br />
|column3=[[EDWARD F. O'BRIEN, JR., LCDR, USN|ENS Edward O'Brien, Jr. '40]]<br />[[BENJAMIN C. HALL, CDR, USN|ENS Benjamin Hall '40]]}}<br />
|others2={{NDcolumns|columns=2|column1=[[CONDE L. RAGUET, LCDR, USN|ENS Conde Raguet '38]] (Battle Force)<br />
|column2=}}}}<br />
{{ND|date=November 1940|rank=Ensign|command=Submarine Base New London, Connecticut|billet=under instruction<br />
|others={{NDcolumns|columns=3|column1=[[CASSIN YOUNG, CAPT, USN|CDR Cassin Young '16]]<br />[[GEORGE K. MACKENZIE, JR., LCDR, USN|LT George MacKenzie, Jr. '31]]<br />
|column2=[[SAMUEL H. HUNTER, JR., LTJG, USN|ENS Samuel Hunter, Jr. '38]]<br />[[HOWARD B. BERRY, JR., LT, USN|ENS Howard Berry, Jr. '38]]<br />
|column3=[[DAVID K. SLOAN, JR., LT, USN|ENS David Sloan, Jr. '38]]}}}}<br />
{{ND|date=April 1941|rank=Lieutenant (j.g.)|command=USS Bass}}<br />
<br />
{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Hugh|ClassYear=1937|PreviousPersonLink=HOWARD W. NESTER, JR., LCDR, USN|PreviousPersonName=Howard Nester, Jr. '37|NextPersonLink=JOHN W. KING, LT, USN|NextPersonName=John King '37}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1937|Rimmer]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 6th Company|Rimmer]]<br />
[[Category:USN|Rimmer]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Rimmer]]<br />
[[Category:WWII|Rimmer]]<br />
[[Category:Pacific|Rimmer]]<br />
[[Category:Submarine|Rimmer]]<br />
[[Category:USS Albacore (SS 218)|Rimmer]]<br />
[[Category:Silver Star|Rimmer]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=HUGH RAYNOR RIMMER}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=THOMAS_J._WEISS,_2LT,_USMC&diff=167072THOMAS J. WEISS, 2LT, USMC2023-07-04T22:19:38Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */ burial</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=March 25, 1945|DoD=May 18, 1968|Age=23|name_class=Thomas Weiss '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Weiss LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=THOMAS JOSEPH WEISS<br />
|LBHometown=Havertown, Pennsylvania<br />
|LBText=Tom came to the Academy straight from the University of Pennsylvania. He brought with him a friendly nature, desire to learn and rowing experience from the University of Pennsylvania and the Vesper Boat Club. Tom will be remembered for his practical knowledge on just about any subject. Many of his friends made his room a place where they could readily obtain information on everything from cars to good wine. Tom was always willing to help classmates or underclass with any problem whether it was personal or an everyday problem. Tom's interests ranged from fast cars and crew to the opposite sex, and he pursued them all zealously. This, coupled with his friendly smile and subtle humor, will make Tom a welcomed asset to the Navy and to all around him. <br />
|LBOther=He was also a member of the 28th Company staff (winter).}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Thomas was killed in action in South Vietnam on May 18, 1968 by enemy rifle fire while on patrol near Quang Nam. He was a platoon commander with Company M, Third Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From the September-October 1968 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt. Weiss was born in Washington, D. C, and attended the University of Pennsylvania one year before entering the Naval Academy, where he was a member of the crew. Following graduation in 1967 he completed basic training at Marine Corps School, Quantico, Va., and was attached to M Company, 3d Battalion, 27th Regiment, 5th Marine Division. He had been wounded in action in Vietnam last April, and was awarded the Purple Heart.<br />
<br />
He is survived by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. William A. Weiss, Havertown, Pa.; three brothers, Capt. James W. Weiss, USA, of Ft. Bliss, Texas; Donald J. Weiss, who attends Villanova University, and Robert D. Weiss, a cadet at the Military Academy. Also his paternal grandfather, Anthony N. Weiss, and his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Agnes T. Wertzberger.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/65746608 Find A Grave:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
The Philadelphia Inquirer - 30 May 1968<br />
<br />
Marine Officer Killed by Sniper in S. Vietnam<br />
<br />
A Marine officer who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy less than a year ago was killed by rifle fire on May 18 while on patrol near Quang Nam in South Vietnam.<br />
<br />
He was Second Lt. Thomas J. Weiss, 23, Edgehill dr. near Winton, Havertown. He was attached to M Company 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division. He was wounded in action in Vietnam only last April 8 and was awarded the Purple Heart.<br />
<br />
Lieutenant Weiss was graduated from Waldron Academy in 1958. He was a member of the rowing and swimming teams at St. Joseph's College High School, from where he was graduated in 1962. He also rowed for the Vesper Boat Club and was a member of the Llanerch Country Club swimming team. He was a freshman rower at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied one year on a Navy Reserve Officers Corps scholarship, and a rower at the Naval Academy where he matriculated in 1964.<br />
<br />
Surviving are his father, Dr. William A. Weiss, a physician; his mother, the former Agnes Elizebeth Wertzsberger; three brothers, Capt. James W. (USA), Donald J. and Robert D. a West Point plebe; his paternal grandfather, Anthony N. Weiss, and his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Agnes T. Wertzsberger.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Thomas is [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/65746608/thomas-joseph-weiss buried] in Springfield, PA.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Weiss 1.jpg|From the July 1968 issue of ''Shipmate''.<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Tom attended a high school in Philadelphia and excelled in rowing on the Schuylkill River. After winning an NROTC scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania, he decided that the Navy and rowing was what he wanted to pursue. He entered the Naval Academy and enjoyed success both in fun and rowing. He completed Airborne training during one summer and found time to visit his older brother, Jim USMA ’62 and his wife Rainey in Germany while on summer cruise. Tom decided to choose the Marine Corps because of the outstanding example that his Marine tactical officer had set. Also, during his first class year he had a 750cc Triumph motorcycle parked in town and rode it as often as he could to include going across our great country. <br />
<br />
Upon graduation, Tom completed Marine Officer training and during Tet ’68, he boarded a ship and went to the Republic of Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division arriving in country February 17, 1968. After being wounded on April 8th and going back into combat, he was killed by hostile fire on May 18, 1968 having died outright in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam while serving as Platoon Commander with Company M, Third Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, First Marine Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” device and the Purple Heart (2d Award) posthumously. Tom was interred in Saint Peter and Paul Cemetery in suburban Philadelphia with full military honors. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/55102/THOMAS-J-WEISS?page=2#remembrances Wall of Faces:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
Tom was my classmate and company mate at the Naval Academy. He was courageous and a man of great integrity. He and his two roommates stuck together like brothers. I miss Tom. He was a big, lovable guy.<br />
<cite>BARRY POLLARA, 10/4/01</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Tom graduated from Waldron Academy in 1958. Coming from a somewhat large family, Tom and his three brothers attended St. Joe’s Prep School. He was a member of the rowing and swimming teams at St. Joe’s Prep where he graduated in 1962. Tom also rowed for the Vesper Boat Club and was a member of the Llanerch Country Club swimming team. During his high school years he taught his younger brother how to drive, row and smoke.<br />
<br />
Tom attended college at the University of Pennsylvania for one full year on a Naval Reserve Office Corps scholarship. He then changed schools and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. At Annapolis, he tended to bend the rules; Tom owned a corvette and a motorcycle and according to his brother, participated in crazy carnival events such as wrestling an orangutan. Following graduation in 1967 he completed basic training at Marine Corps School in Quantico, Virginia.<br />
<br />
Tom wrote letters to his family expressing how he had believed that the U.S. should have always been in Vietnam. From January ‘68 to May of that year his letters questioned how people were treated in Vietnam. He wrote to his family back home that he felt he was never coming back and that he was going to be killed in the war. This was after he had been wounded and had been awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for “Valor”.<br />
<br />
Tom Weiss perished in the service of our country on May 18, 1968. He was killed by enemy rifle fire while on patrol near Quang Nam. His short life is an extraordinary tale of love, bravery, and tragedy all at the same time. He may be gone physically yet in reality, he will forever live in the hearts of those who knew him.<br />
<br />
Today a new generation of high school students learn about Tom Weiss as they learn about the Vietnam War at Upper Darby High School. We remember his service to our nation and his courage. We honor his memory. Semper Fi Tom<br />
<cite>DAVE TATUM, DAVETATUM@AOL.COM, 2/5/04</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Bronze Star ==<br />
Unable to find the citation for the Bronze Star mentioned in his obituary.<br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[ALAN A. KETTNER, 2LT, USMC|Alan Kettner '67]] was also in 28th Company.<br />
<br />
{{NewClassNavigator|Name=Thomas|HonoreesInClass=34|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=ROBERT E. TUTTLE, 2LT, USMC|PreviousPersonName=Robert Tuttle '67|NextPersonLink=JOHN P. HARRINGTON, LTJG, USN|NextPersonName=John Harrington '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 28th Company|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:USMC|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:Ground|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:3rd Battalion, 27th Marines|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:Bronze Star|Weiss]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=THOMAS JOSEPH WEISS}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=THOMAS_J._WEISS,_2LT,_USMC&diff=167071THOMAS J. WEISS, 2LT, USMC2023-07-04T21:56:35Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=March 25, 1945|DoD=May 18, 1968|Age=23|name_class=Thomas Weiss '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Weiss LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=THOMAS JOSEPH WEISS<br />
|LBHometown=Havertown, Pennsylvania<br />
|LBText=Tom came to the Academy straight from the University of Pennsylvania. He brought with him a friendly nature, desire to learn and rowing experience from the University of Pennsylvania and the Vesper Boat Club. Tom will be remembered for his practical knowledge on just about any subject. Many of his friends made his room a place where they could readily obtain information on everything from cars to good wine. Tom was always willing to help classmates or underclass with any problem whether it was personal or an everyday problem. Tom's interests ranged from fast cars and crew to the opposite sex, and he pursued them all zealously. This, coupled with his friendly smile and subtle humor, will make Tom a welcomed asset to the Navy and to all around him. <br />
|LBOther=He was also a member of the 28th Company staff (winter).}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Thomas was killed in action in South Vietnam on May 18, 1968 by enemy rifle fire while on patrol near Quang Nam. He was a platoon commander with Company M, Third Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From the September-October 1968 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt. Weiss was born in Washington, D. C, and attended the University of Pennsylvania one year before entering the Naval Academy, where he was a member of the crew. Following graduation in 1967 he completed basic training at Marine Corps School, Quantico, Va., and was attached to M Company, 3d Battalion, 27th Regiment, 5th Marine Division. He had been wounded in action in Vietnam last April, and was awarded the Purple Heart.<br />
<br />
He is survived by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. William A. Weiss, Havertown, Pa.; three brothers, Capt. James W. Weiss, USA, of Ft. Bliss, Texas; Donald J. Weiss, who attends Villanova University, and Robert D. Weiss, a cadet at the Military Academy. Also his paternal grandfather, Anthony N. Weiss, and his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Agnes T. Wertzberger.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/65746608 Find A Grave:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
The Philadelphia Inquirer - 30 May 1968<br />
<br />
Marine Officer Killed by Sniper in S. Vietnam<br />
<br />
A Marine officer who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy less than a year ago was killed by rifle fire on May 18 while on patrol near Quang Nam in South Vietnam.<br />
<br />
He was Second Lt. Thomas J. Weiss, 23, Edgehill dr. near Winton, Havertown. He was attached to M Company 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division. He was wounded in action in Vietnam only last April 8 and was awarded the Purple Heart.<br />
<br />
Lieutenant Weiss was graduated from Waldron Academy in 1958. He was a member of the rowing and swimming teams at St. Joseph's College High School, from where he was graduated in 1962. He also rowed for the Vesper Boat Club and was a member of the Llanerch Country Club swimming team. He was a freshman rower at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied one year on a Navy Reserve Officers Corps scholarship, and a rower at the Naval Academy where he matriculated in 1964.<br />
<br />
Surviving are his father, Dr. William A. Weiss, a physician; his mother, the former Agnes Elizebeth Wertzsberger; three brothers, Capt. James W. (USA), Donald J. and Robert D. a West Point plebe; his paternal grandfather, Anthony N. Weiss, and his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Agnes T. Wertzsberger.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Weiss 1.jpg|From the July 1968 issue of ''Shipmate''.<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Tom attended a high school in Philadelphia and excelled in rowing on the Schuylkill River. After winning an NROTC scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania, he decided that the Navy and rowing was what he wanted to pursue. He entered the Naval Academy and enjoyed success both in fun and rowing. He completed Airborne training during one summer and found time to visit his older brother, Jim USMA ’62 and his wife Rainey in Germany while on summer cruise. Tom decided to choose the Marine Corps because of the outstanding example that his Marine tactical officer had set. Also, during his first class year he had a 750cc Triumph motorcycle parked in town and rode it as often as he could to include going across our great country. <br />
<br />
Upon graduation, Tom completed Marine Officer training and during Tet ’68, he boarded a ship and went to the Republic of Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division arriving in country February 17, 1968. After being wounded on April 8th and going back into combat, he was killed by hostile fire on May 18, 1968 having died outright in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam while serving as Platoon Commander with Company M, Third Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, First Marine Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” device and the Purple Heart (2d Award) posthumously. Tom was interred in Saint Peter and Paul Cemetery in suburban Philadelphia with full military honors. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/55102/THOMAS-J-WEISS?page=2#remembrances Wall of Faces:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
Tom was my classmate and company mate at the Naval Academy. He was courageous and a man of great integrity. He and his two roommates stuck together like brothers. I miss Tom. He was a big, lovable guy.<br />
<cite>BARRY POLLARA, 10/4/01</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Tom graduated from Waldron Academy in 1958. Coming from a somewhat large family, Tom and his three brothers attended St. Joe’s Prep School. He was a member of the rowing and swimming teams at St. Joe’s Prep where he graduated in 1962. Tom also rowed for the Vesper Boat Club and was a member of the Llanerch Country Club swimming team. During his high school years he taught his younger brother how to drive, row and smoke.<br />
<br />
Tom attended college at the University of Pennsylvania for one full year on a Naval Reserve Office Corps scholarship. He then changed schools and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. At Annapolis, he tended to bend the rules; Tom owned a corvette and a motorcycle and according to his brother, participated in crazy carnival events such as wrestling an orangutan. Following graduation in 1967 he completed basic training at Marine Corps School in Quantico, Virginia.<br />
<br />
Tom wrote letters to his family expressing how he had believed that the U.S. should have always been in Vietnam. From January ‘68 to May of that year his letters questioned how people were treated in Vietnam. He wrote to his family back home that he felt he was never coming back and that he was going to be killed in the war. This was after he had been wounded and had been awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for “Valor”.<br />
<br />
Tom Weiss perished in the service of our country on May 18, 1968. He was killed by enemy rifle fire while on patrol near Quang Nam. His short life is an extraordinary tale of love, bravery, and tragedy all at the same time. He may be gone physically yet in reality, he will forever live in the hearts of those who knew him.<br />
<br />
Today a new generation of high school students learn about Tom Weiss as they learn about the Vietnam War at Upper Darby High School. We remember his service to our nation and his courage. We honor his memory. Semper Fi Tom<br />
<cite>DAVE TATUM, DAVETATUM@AOL.COM, 2/5/04</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Bronze Star ==<br />
Unable to find the citation for the Bronze Star mentioned in his obituary.<br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[ALAN A. KETTNER, 2LT, USMC|Alan Kettner '67]] was also in 28th Company.<br />
<br />
{{NewClassNavigator|Name=Thomas|HonoreesInClass=34|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=ROBERT E. TUTTLE, 2LT, USMC|PreviousPersonName=Robert Tuttle '67|NextPersonLink=JOHN P. HARRINGTON, LTJG, USN|NextPersonName=John Harrington '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 28th Company|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:USMC|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:Ground|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:3rd Battalion, 27th Marines|Weiss]]<br />
[[Category:Bronze Star|Weiss]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=THOMAS JOSEPH WEISS}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=ROBERT_E._TUTTLE,_2LT,_USMC&diff=166992ROBERT E. TUTTLE, 2LT, USMC2023-06-18T20:30:09Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */ HS achievements</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=July 21, 1945|DoD=May 8, 1968|Age=22|name_class=Robert Tuttle '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Tuttle LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=ROBERT ERVIN TUTTLE<br />
|LBHometown=Pensacola, Florida<br />
|LBText=Truly a "soldier of the sea", it is no strange work of fate that brought Bob to these Severn shores. While at the Academy, Bob displayed an interest in all phases of Academy life by excelling in sports, academics, and the "skinny" department, in the order. "Tuts" won acclaim in the field of athletics by his participation in boxing and football. His exceptional charm and outgoing personality has won him many friends and made him first in the hearts of many females in the feminine circles of Annapolis. Even the plebes appreciated his tremendous sense of humor and quick wit. With goal of becoming the Navy's next Fleet Admiral, Bob should have no trouble succeeding in whatever branch of the Navy he chooses.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Robert was killed in action on May 8, 1968 when a landmine exploded near him while on patrol near Quang Nam, Vietnam.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From the September-October 1968 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt. Tuttle, who was born in Maryland, graduated from the Naval Academy in 1967. A graduate of Escombia High School in Pensacola, he had been selected as the first Senior Citizen for his high grade average and prowess as an athlete in 1962-63. As a midshipman he was heavyweight boxing champion.<br />
<br />
Following graduation, Lt. Tuttle completed Marine Corps Basic School at Quantico, Va., then was assigned to Vietnam. He had arrived there two months prior to his death and had been serving as commander of the 1st Platoon, M Company, 3rd Battalion, 27th Marine Division.<br />
<br />
He is survived by his parents, RAdm. Magruder H. Tuttle, USN (Ret.), class of 1932, and Mrs. Tuttle of Pensacola, Fl.; a brother, Harry C. Tuttle, who recently returned from a tour of duty with the Army 1st Air Cavalry in Vietnam and is now a helicopter instructor at Fort Rucker, Ala.; two sisters, Courtney Ann and Jane E. Tuttle; and a grandmother, Mrs. H. W. Courtney of Ennis, Tex.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He completed a two week [https://www.newspapers.com/image/263455613/?terms=%22Robert%20E.%20Tuttle%22&match=1 active duty recruit training] for the Naval Reserves his senior year in high school. He also was [https://www.newspapers.com/image/263408450/?terms=%22Robert%20Tuttle%22&match=1 inducted in the National Honor Society] of Escambia High School.<br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/1267493/robert-ervin-tuttle is buried in] Florida and has [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/200133207/robert-ervin-tuttle this second entry on Find A Grave].<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Tuttle 1.jpg|Photo courtesy of William Belden '67<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Bob came to the Naval Academy from a family steeped in Navy history and traditions. His father, Admiral Tuttle (’31), was the 1931 Naval Academy football team captain. Bob continued with the sports tradition until a knee injury ended his football career. Refusing to let the football injury stop his love of sports, Bob continued his athletic pursuits until he won brigade wide recognition as the 1967 Brigade Heavyweight Boxing Champion. The undefeated former Heavyweight Champion of the world, Rocky Marciano refereed that fight. Marciano died in an airplane crash less than a year later. It was an honor for Bob to have won an important fight refereed by such an important champion.<br />
<br />
Bob chose the Marine Corps upon graduation from the Naval Academy in June 1967. He was serving as a platoon commander, Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, in Vietnam at the time of his death on May 5, 1968.<br />
<br />
The Bob Tuttle Scholarship was established at Escambia High School, Escambia County Public Schools, Pensacola, Florida. Rear Admiral and Mrs. Magruder H. Tuttle, established the scholarship in memory of their son, 2nd Lt. Bob Tuttle, USMC, a 1963 graduate of Escambia High School.<br />
<br />
Bob is remembered with love and affection by all of his classmates and friends. “The greatest tragedy is what might have been.” Anonymous<br />
<br />
“Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life....” John 15:13 <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.findagrave.com/memorial/1267493 Find A Grave:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
(The following provided by Jim Slusser, a lifelong friend from Buies Creek, NC...)<br />
<br />
The Best We Had To Offer<br />
<br />
His real home was Pensacola, FL, where his father, RADM Magruder Tuttle was Chief of Air Training Command in the 60's. Bob graduated from Pensacola's Escambia HS in 1963, and the U.S. Naval Academy in 1967, where he was the heavy weight boxing champion his senior year. He was truly the best our generation had to offer, and our country is the worse off for his loss. Bob will always be remembered by his classmates, and may his memory live forever.<br />
Survived by his parents Magruder H & Dorothy C Tuttle of Pensacola, FL and his brother, Harry C Tuttle of Enterprise, AL.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/52928/ROBERT-E-TUTTLE Wall of Faces:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt Tuttle was my platoon leader May 08, 1968 - A good Marine<br />
<cite>SGT. EDWARD BENAVIDEZ, 7/30/14</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Bob was the ideal character for a movie. Big athletic handsome guy always smiling. Excelled at everything. And, a GOOD FRIEND. Naval Academy and joins the Marines. That was Bob. We Honor you at every reunion. Semper Fi<br />
<cite>JIM GRIFFIN, MRJIMGRIFFIN@AOL.COM, 8/10/12</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
2LT Tuttle was my Plt Leader in 1968 during Tet we had already lost one Plt Leader and Plt Sgt. When Lt Tuttle arrived we were at the Tu Cau Bridge when he reported and that first night he went out on a night ambush with me and my Sqd. He was a good man and became well respected by his troops. I was wounded about a month after he came to Mike 3/27. Shortly after that he transferred to another Plt. and was KIA in early May 1968. Thank you Sir for your service you will not be forgotten.<br />
<cite>CPL. ROY F. PARR, RFPCROWLEY@YAHOO.COM, 4/1/06</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
In remembrance of an honorable and memorable classmate of The Naval Academy, class of '67. "Tut" loved the Marine Corps and valiantly gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country. It was our privilege to have known him.<br />
<br />
Dale and Theta Fink<br />
<cite>DALE A. FINK, DFINK@GATEWAY.NET, 3/13/00</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.pnj.com/story/news/military/2015/11/10/escambia-high-remembers-its-fallen/75223284/ Pensacola News Journal] on November 10, 2015:<br />
<blockquote><br />
… <br />
<br />
The program brought tears to the eyes of retired Army pilot Harry C. Tuttle who lost his 22-year-old brother, U.S. Marines 2nd Lt. Robert E. Tuttle, on May 8, 1968, in Vietnam.<br />
<br />
"He was a really courageous individual," said Tuttle of his younger brother, a 1963 Escambia High grad and 1967 U.S. Naval Academy grad. "I have tears in my eyes, but I am so proud of my brother. (When I pass) I will be laid to rest on top of my brother and next to my mom and dad."<br />
<br />
Harry C. Tuttle served 12 years in the Army and is the son of the late Adm. Magruder Hill Tuttle and his wife, Dorothy. His sister, the late Courtney Ann Tuttle, also was a nurse in the military.<br />
<br />
"I just wish there were more relatives here," said Tuttle, who was at the program with his daughter, Christine Tuttle.<br />
<br />
Christine Tuttle, 35, also never knew her uncle but said she attended the program to honor him.<br />
<br />
…<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[ROBERT J. GRAFF, LT, USN|Robert Graff '67]] and [[ROBERT G. HUGHES, LT, USN|Robert Hughes '67]] were also in 25th Company.<br />
<br />
{{NewClassNavigator|Name=Robert|HonoreesInClass=34|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=ALAN A. KETTNER, 2LT, USMC|PreviousPersonName=Alan Kettner '67|NextPersonLink=THOMAS J. WEISS, 2LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Thomas Weiss '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Tuttle]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 25th Company|Tuttle]]<br />
[[Category:USMC|Tuttle]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Tuttle]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Tuttle]]<br />
[[Category:Ground|Tuttle]]<br />
[[Category:3rd Battalion, 27th Marines|Tuttle]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=ROBERT ERVIN TUTTLE}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=ROBERT_E._TUTTLE,_2LT,_USMC&diff=166991ROBERT E. TUTTLE, 2LT, USMC2023-06-18T20:06:09Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */ address removed</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=July 21, 1945|DoD=May 8, 1968|Age=22|name_class=Robert Tuttle '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Tuttle LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=ROBERT ERVIN TUTTLE<br />
|LBHometown=Pensacola, Florida<br />
|LBText=Truly a "soldier of the sea", it is no strange work of fate that brought Bob to these Severn shores. While at the Academy, Bob displayed an interest in all phases of Academy life by excelling in sports, academics, and the "skinny" department, in the order. "Tuts" won acclaim in the field of athletics by his participation in boxing and football. His exceptional charm and outgoing personality has won him many friends and made him first in the hearts of many females in the feminine circles of Annapolis. Even the plebes appreciated his tremendous sense of humor and quick wit. With goal of becoming the Navy's next Fleet Admiral, Bob should have no trouble succeeding in whatever branch of the Navy he chooses.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Robert was killed in action on May 8, 1968 when a landmine exploded near him while on patrol near Quang Nam, Vietnam.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From the September-October 1968 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt. Tuttle, who was born in Maryland, graduated from the Naval Academy in 1967. A graduate of Escombia High School in Pensacola, he had been selected as the first Senior Citizen for his high grade average and prowess as an athlete in 1962-63. As a midshipman he was heavyweight boxing champion.<br />
<br />
Following graduation, Lt. Tuttle completed Marine Corps Basic School at Quantico, Va., then was assigned to Vietnam. He had arrived there two months prior to his death and had been serving as commander of the 1st Platoon, M Company, 3rd Battalion, 27th Marine Division.<br />
<br />
He is survived by his parents, RAdm. Magruder H. Tuttle, USN (Ret.), class of 1932, and Mrs. Tuttle of Pensacola, Fl.; a brother, Harry C. Tuttle, who recently returned from a tour of duty with the Army 1st Air Cavalry in Vietnam and is now a helicopter instructor at Fort Rucker, Ala.; two sisters, Courtney Ann and Jane E. Tuttle; and a grandmother, Mrs. H. W. Courtney of Ennis, Tex.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/1267493/robert-ervin-tuttle is buried in] Florida and has [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/200133207/robert-ervin-tuttle this second entry on Find A Grave].<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Tuttle 1.jpg|Photo courtesy of William Belden '67<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967's 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Bob came to the Naval Academy from a family steeped in Navy history and traditions. His father, Admiral Tuttle (’31), was the 1931 Naval Academy football team captain. Bob continued with the sports tradition until a knee injury ended his football career. Refusing to let the football injury stop his love of sports, Bob continued his athletic pursuits until he won brigade wide recognition as the 1967 Brigade Heavyweight Boxing Champion. The undefeated former Heavyweight Champion of the world, Rocky Marciano refereed that fight. Marciano died in an airplane crash less than a year later. It was an honor for Bob to have won an important fight refereed by such an important champion.<br />
<br />
Bob chose the Marine Corps upon graduation from the Naval Academy in June 1967. He was serving as a platoon commander, Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, in Vietnam at the time of his death on May 5, 1968.<br />
<br />
The Bob Tuttle Scholarship was established at Escambia High School, Escambia County Public Schools, Pensacola, Florida. Rear Admiral and Mrs. Magruder H. Tuttle, established the scholarship in memory of their son, 2nd Lt. Bob Tuttle, USMC, a 1963 graduate of Escambia High School.<br />
<br />
Bob is remembered with love and affection by all of his classmates and friends. “The greatest tragedy is what might have been.” Anonymous<br />
<br />
“Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life....” John 15:13 <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.findagrave.com/memorial/1267493 Find A Grave:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
(The following provided by Jim Slusser, a lifelong friend from Buies Creek, NC...)<br />
<br />
The Best We Had To Offer<br />
<br />
His real home was Pensacola, FL, where his father, RADM Magruder Tuttle was Chief of Air Training Command in the 60's. Bob graduated from Pensacola's Escambia HS in 1963, and the U.S. Naval Academy in 1967, where he was the heavy weight boxing champion his senior year. He was truly the best our generation had to offer, and our country is the worse off for his loss. Bob will always be remembered by his classmates, and may his memory live forever.<br />
Survived by his parents Magruder H & Dorothy C Tuttle of Pensacola, FL and his brother, Harry C Tuttle of Enterprise, AL.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/52928/ROBERT-E-TUTTLE Wall of Faces:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
Lt Tuttle was my platoon leader May 08, 1968 - A good Marine<br />
<cite>SGT. EDWARD BENAVIDEZ, 7/30/14</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Bob was the ideal character for a movie. Big athletic handsome guy always smiling. Excelled at everything. And, a GOOD FRIEND. Naval Academy and joins the Marines. That was Bob. We Honor you at every reunion. Semper Fi<br />
<cite>JIM GRIFFIN, MRJIMGRIFFIN@AOL.COM, 8/10/12</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
2LT Tuttle was my Plt Leader in 1968 during Tet we had already lost one Plt Leader and Plt Sgt. When Lt Tuttle arrived we were at the Tu Cau Bridge when he reported and that first night he went out on a night ambush with me and my Sqd. He was a good man and became well respected by his troops. I was wounded about a month after he came to Mike 3/27. Shortly after that he transferred to another Plt. and was KIA in early May 1968. Thank you Sir for your service you will not be forgotten.<br />
<cite>CPL. ROY F. PARR, RFPCROWLEY@YAHOO.COM, 4/1/06</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
In remembrance of an honorable and memorable classmate of The Naval Academy, class of '67. "Tut" loved the Marine Corps and valiantly gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country. It was our privilege to have known him.<br />
<br />
Dale and Theta Fink<br />
<cite>DALE A. FINK, DFINK@GATEWAY.NET, 3/13/00</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.pnj.com/story/news/military/2015/11/10/escambia-high-remembers-its-fallen/75223284/ Pensacola News Journal] on November 10, 2015:<br />
<blockquote><br />
… <br />
<br />
The program brought tears to the eyes of retired Army pilot Harry C. Tuttle who lost his 22-year-old brother, U.S. Marines 2nd Lt. Robert E. Tuttle, on May 8, 1968, in Vietnam.<br />
<br />
"He was a really courageous individual," said Tuttle of his younger brother, a 1963 Escambia High grad and 1967 U.S. Naval Academy grad. "I have tears in my eyes, but I am so proud of my brother. (When I pass) I will be laid to rest on top of my brother and next to my mom and dad."<br />
<br />
Harry C. Tuttle served 12 years in the Army and is the son of the late Adm. Magruder Hill Tuttle and his wife, Dorothy. His sister, the late Courtney Ann Tuttle, also was a nurse in the military.<br />
<br />
"I just wish there were more relatives here," said Tuttle, who was at the program with his daughter, Christine Tuttle.<br />
<br />
Christine Tuttle, 35, also never knew her uncle but said she attended the program to honor him.<br />
<br />
…<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[ROBERT J. GRAFF, LT, USN|Robert Graff '67]] and [[ROBERT G. HUGHES, LT, USN|Robert Hughes '67]] were also in 25th Company.<br />
<br />
{{NewClassNavigator|Name=Robert|HonoreesInClass=34|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=ALAN A. KETTNER, 2LT, USMC|PreviousPersonName=Alan Kettner '67|NextPersonLink=THOMAS J. WEISS, 2LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Thomas Weiss '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Tuttle]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 25th Company|Tuttle]]<br />
[[Category:USMC|Tuttle]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Tuttle]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Tuttle]]<br />
[[Category:Ground|Tuttle]]<br />
[[Category:3rd Battalion, 27th Marines|Tuttle]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=ROBERT ERVIN TUTTLE}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=ALAN_A._KETTNER,_2LT,_USMC&diff=166990ALAN A. KETTNER, 2LT, USMC2023-06-17T01:34:12Z<p>LeslieBP: Moved Johnson link to Related Articles</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=August 22, 1944|DoD=April 3, 1968|Age=23|name_class=Alan Kettner '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Kettner LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=ALAN ARTHUR KETTNER<br />
|LBHometown=Springfield, Minnesota<br />
|LBText=Alan Arthur Kettner was born on August 22, 1943 in Springfield, Minnesota and lived in this small town for all of his twenty-three years. After graduating from high school he attended Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota for two years. At the Naval Academy Al participated in company cross country and fieldball and was one of the battalion standouts in the mile. During third class summer Al became interested in the Marine Corps and since that time he has worked hard to prepare himself for a successful career in the Corps. With a quiet but dogged determination Al will certainly reach his goal of making a contribution to his country's efforts whether in the Marine Corps or elsewhere. <br />
|LBOther=He was also a member of the 28th Company staff (spring).}}<br />
<br />
== Obituary ==<br />
From the September-October 1968 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
2nd Lt. Alan A. Kettner, USMC, was killed in action 13 April at Thua Thien near Hue, Vietnam, of rifle fire while on patrol. Services were held in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Springfield, Minn., his birthplace, with interment in the church cemetery. Military rites were conducted by the John Watson Post of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.<br />
<br />
Lt. Kettner attended Macalester College two years before entering the Naval Academy, from where he was graduated in 1967. He was a member of the cross country team and of Operation Information as a midshipman. He had been president of his senior high school class and was the school's representative to the Model United Nations Assembly at Winnipeg, Canada.<br />
<br />
Following graduation from the Academy, Lt. Kettner completed basic training at Marine Corps School, Quantico, Va., and was assigned to Company B, First Battalion, 27th Marines, First Division. He had been in Vietnam less than two months.<br />
<br />
Surviving are his mother, Mrs. Arthur F. Kettner of Springfield, Mn.; two sisters, Mrs. Bernard Berberich of Comfrey and Mrs. Peter Pint of Sanborn, Minn., and seven nieces and nephews. His father died when he was five years old.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/45084075 is buried in] Minnesota.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px><br />
File:1967 Kettner 1.jpg|From the July 1968 issue of ''Shipmate''.<br />
File:1967 Kettner 2.jpg|Photo courtesy of William Belden '67<br />
File:1967 Kettner 3.jpg|Photo courtesy of William Belden '67<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Alan was killed by rifle fire while on patrol in Vietnam on April 13, 1968. He was serving with the United States Marine Corps in its infantry division near Thua Thein Province, near Hue, South Vietnam.<br />
<br />
According to the letter of condolence from Captain W.T. Sweeney to Alan’s mother, Edna Kettner:<br />
<br />
“Alan’s platoon was assigned to participate in a search and clear operation in the village of Thon An Lua, Vietnam. As the platoon approached the village, they came under intense enemy machine gun and small arms fire. They immediately formed a defense position and returned fire. While directing his men, Alan was mortally wounded by the enemy gunfire.<br />
<br />
Alan was one of the finest officers I have ever known. His leadership, uprightness and devotion to duty won for him the respect of all who knew him. “<br />
<br />
Alan Arthur Kettner was born August 22, 1943 to Arthur and Edna Kettner, in Springfield, Minn., and had two sisters, Marlys (Bernard) Berberich, and Mavis (Peter) Pint. Alan has nine nephews and nieces. In 1992, Lori (Berberich) and Joe Schumann named their son, Alan Joseph, in honor of Uncle Alan.<br />
<br />
Alan was the first man from Springfield to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was a member of the cross-country team and of Operation Information as a Midshipman. Prior to his appointment to the Naval Academy, he attended Macalester College for two years. He was a 1961 graduate of Springfield High School. He was president of his senior high school class and was the school’s representative to the Model United Nations Assembly in Winnipeg, Canada.<br />
<br />
Following graduation from the Naval Academy, Alan completed basic training at Marine Corps Officers Training School, Quantico, Va., and was assigned to Company B, First Battalion, 27th Marines, First Division. He had been in Vietnam less than two months when he was killed in action.<br />
<br />
In May 1968, the Springfield Rotary Club established a fund as a memorial to Alan. An scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving male student in the senior class of Springfield Public School.<br />
<br />
Before leaving for Vietnam, Alan wrote a letter to his mother, sisters, and brothers-in-law, to be opened in the event of his death. Following are excerpts from that letter:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Dear Mom and family,<br />
<br />
It seems a little strange to sit down this morning and write this letter and at first impression it may seem strange to you, too, to know I did it. For the past four and a half years I have lived the life of a military man and have learned that an intelligent and efficient officer is in control of his emotions at all times. Therefore, you must know I write this with a clear mind and have thought out the contents beforehand.<br />
<br />
First of all, let me restate my willingness to serve in Vietnam. It is only another step in doing what I believe I owe to God and my country. As you raised me you taught me what is right and wrong, that no one owed me anything, but that I had been given the opportunity to better myself. You took me to church and I learned about God. All this has influenced by thoughts and ideas. I see an attack on the people of another land...both their bodies and their minds...and it disturbs me. I believe they should be allowed to live in peace. This is something the Viet Cong, the North Vietnamese Army and numerous other groups of people will never let others do. I believe my way of serving must be in the Marine Corps. Here I can actually carry out my beliefs by fighting for my country. All this reminds me of the words of Thomas Jefferson written inside his memorial in D. C. “I have sworn before the altar of God eternal hostility toward every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”<br />
<br />
To all of you I say this. Do not let feelings of sadness linger. Rather, think of my willingness to serve. It is my hope that what I have done with my life has made life better for others.<br />
<br />
Your son and brother, Alan<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Thoughts on an uncle I never knew, yet know so well<br />
<br />
By Jennifer Pint<br />
<br />
I was but 19 months old when Uncle Alan left for Vietnam, so I have no personal memories of him. However, through my mother, grandmother, and more recently, many of Alan’s classmates, I feel like I have come to know the extraordinary man who was my uncle. His loss is still felt among my siblings and cousins, as we wonder what kind of man Alan could have and would have become, who he may have married, and the cousins we should have had. What we do not have to wonder about is the incredible impact he made on the lives of those who knew him in his short 24 years, particularly hearing the testimonies and stories of many Naval Academy classmates in recent years. <br />
<br />
<cite>Submitted by: Jennifer Pint, Niece of Alan Kettner, Daughter of Alan’s sister, Mavis Pint</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/27801/ALAN-A-KETTNER Wall of Faces:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
My parents hosted midshipmen at our house from my grade school through college years. Alan visited many times and even continued to visit when we lived in Norfolk, VA. I have wonderful memories of him at family gatherings and at our church in Annapolis. He was a special midshipman. Sue (Seeger) Selters of Claremont CA<br />
<cite>SUE SELTERS, 12/24/14</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Alan, we only worked together for a short time before you left, but I admired your standards and principals. You would have gone far in life. After I got back from overseas, I saw your mother and told her what a great son she has and she should be proud. Now when I get back to our small town, I visit our cemetery to say hello to my mother, your mother and you. It may be your resting place, but I'm sure your spirit soars with your other lost brothers. Too short of a life!<br />
<cite>PAUL SCHMIDT, 7/13/03</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hello Sir,<br />
<br />
I wanted you to know that we (Your Marines) did all we could that awful day. The force we ran into turned out to be far stronger than expected. You were one of the very first men to fall. I found the radio and your map, then tried to call mortars on the enemy positions, but I was also hit before they could fire. I regret to report we got badly chopped up, sir.<br />
<br />
We were caught and pinned in a three-way triangulation of fire. Whichever way a Marine moved, he ran into automatic weapon beaten zones. Many Marines became casualties on that day before Easter Sunday. You know what's strange? I was really looking forward to that hot Easter meal we were promised. Its odd, what you miss in the midst of combat.<br />
<br />
Sgt. May, 1st squadleader, rallied the men and restored some order in the midst of all that chaos. He and Sgt Keaveny did real well, sir. I think you would have been proud of them, and just wanted you to know that. I can't say where our Platoon Sergeant went. I didn't see him since before initial contact, but recently heard he was uninjured that day.<br />
<br />
Sir, we tried to do right by you. Sitting in Heaven, watching your platoon fight to live, must have been highly frustrating. I just hope you weren't too disappointed. Did you help deflect some of the bullets that flashed past us? I'd like to think so.<br />
<br />
Lieutenant, I know you and I had some off moments, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to serve under your command. You were a very dedicated officer. I believe you would have gone far in the Marine Corps, if only you had survived. Can you imagine it? ...General Kettner! Has a kind of nice ring to it; don't you think so?<br />
<br />
Sir, your untimely death was our loss.<br />
<br />
Requiescat en Pace, Amen.<br />
<cite>JAVIER CASCOS - LCPL, 3RD SQDLDR, 2ND PLT., BRAVO CO. 1ST BN., 27TH MARINES, 9/25/02</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
'''A great classmate'''<br />
<br />
Al and I spent many late nights cramming together for exams. He was hard-working, honest, and courageous.<br />
<cite>BARRY POLLARA, 10/4/01</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Family ==<br />
[https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/45084075 Alan was survived] by his mother and two sisters, Mrs. Bernard (Marlys) Berberich of Comfrey and Mrs. Peter (Mavis) Pint of Sunburn.<br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[THOMAS J. WEISS, 2LT, USMC|Thomas Weiss '67]] was also in 28th Company. <br />
Alan was a groomsman at the [https://www.newspapers.com/image/440524232/?terms=%22Alan%20Kettner%22&match=1 June, 1967 wedding] at the USNA Chapel of classmate [[JOSEPH_T._JOHNSON,_LTJG,_USN|Joseph T. Johnson]].<br />
<br />
{{NewClassNavigator|Name=Alan|HonoreesInClass=34|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=HENRY A. WRIGHT, 2LT, USMC|PreviousPersonName=Henry Wright '67|NextPersonLink=ROBERT E. TUTTLE, 2LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Robert Tuttle '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 28th Company|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:USMC|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:Ground|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:1st Battalion, 27th Marines|Kettner]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=ALAN ARTHUR KETTNER}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=ALAN_A._KETTNER,_2LT,_USMC&diff=166989ALAN A. KETTNER, 2LT, USMC2023-06-17T01:29:54Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Remembrances */ Joseph Johnson link and info</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=August 22, 1944|DoD=April 3, 1968|Age=23|name_class=Alan Kettner '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Kettner LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=ALAN ARTHUR KETTNER<br />
|LBHometown=Springfield, Minnesota<br />
|LBText=Alan Arthur Kettner was born on August 22, 1943 in Springfield, Minnesota and lived in this small town for all of his twenty-three years. After graduating from high school he attended Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota for two years. At the Naval Academy Al participated in company cross country and fieldball and was one of the battalion standouts in the mile. During third class summer Al became interested in the Marine Corps and since that time he has worked hard to prepare himself for a successful career in the Corps. With a quiet but dogged determination Al will certainly reach his goal of making a contribution to his country's efforts whether in the Marine Corps or elsewhere. <br />
|LBOther=He was also a member of the 28th Company staff (spring).}}<br />
<br />
== Obituary ==<br />
From the September-October 1968 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
2nd Lt. Alan A. Kettner, USMC, was killed in action 13 April at Thua Thien near Hue, Vietnam, of rifle fire while on patrol. Services were held in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Springfield, Minn., his birthplace, with interment in the church cemetery. Military rites were conducted by the John Watson Post of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.<br />
<br />
Lt. Kettner attended Macalester College two years before entering the Naval Academy, from where he was graduated in 1967. He was a member of the cross country team and of Operation Information as a midshipman. He had been president of his senior high school class and was the school's representative to the Model United Nations Assembly at Winnipeg, Canada.<br />
<br />
Following graduation from the Academy, Lt. Kettner completed basic training at Marine Corps School, Quantico, Va., and was assigned to Company B, First Battalion, 27th Marines, First Division. He had been in Vietnam less than two months.<br />
<br />
Surviving are his mother, Mrs. Arthur F. Kettner of Springfield, Mn.; two sisters, Mrs. Bernard Berberich of Comfrey and Mrs. Peter Pint of Sanborn, Minn., and seven nieces and nephews. His father died when he was five years old.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/45084075 is buried in] Minnesota.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px><br />
File:1967 Kettner 1.jpg|From the July 1968 issue of ''Shipmate''.<br />
File:1967 Kettner 2.jpg|Photo courtesy of William Belden '67<br />
File:1967 Kettner 3.jpg|Photo courtesy of William Belden '67<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Alan was killed by rifle fire while on patrol in Vietnam on April 13, 1968. He was serving with the United States Marine Corps in its infantry division near Thua Thein Province, near Hue, South Vietnam.<br />
<br />
According to the letter of condolence from Captain W.T. Sweeney to Alan’s mother, Edna Kettner:<br />
<br />
“Alan’s platoon was assigned to participate in a search and clear operation in the village of Thon An Lua, Vietnam. As the platoon approached the village, they came under intense enemy machine gun and small arms fire. They immediately formed a defense position and returned fire. While directing his men, Alan was mortally wounded by the enemy gunfire.<br />
<br />
Alan was one of the finest officers I have ever known. His leadership, uprightness and devotion to duty won for him the respect of all who knew him. “<br />
<br />
Alan Arthur Kettner was born August 22, 1943 to Arthur and Edna Kettner, in Springfield, Minn., and had two sisters, Marlys (Bernard) Berberich, and Mavis (Peter) Pint. Alan has nine nephews and nieces. In 1992, Lori (Berberich) and Joe Schumann named their son, Alan Joseph, in honor of Uncle Alan.<br />
<br />
Alan was the first man from Springfield to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was a member of the cross-country team and of Operation Information as a Midshipman. Prior to his appointment to the Naval Academy, he attended Macalester College for two years. He was a 1961 graduate of Springfield High School. He was president of his senior high school class and was the school’s representative to the Model United Nations Assembly in Winnipeg, Canada.<br />
<br />
Following graduation from the Naval Academy, Alan completed basic training at Marine Corps Officers Training School, Quantico, Va., and was assigned to Company B, First Battalion, 27th Marines, First Division. He had been in Vietnam less than two months when he was killed in action.<br />
<br />
In May 1968, the Springfield Rotary Club established a fund as a memorial to Alan. An scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving male student in the senior class of Springfield Public School.<br />
<br />
Before leaving for Vietnam, Alan wrote a letter to his mother, sisters, and brothers-in-law, to be opened in the event of his death. Following are excerpts from that letter:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Dear Mom and family,<br />
<br />
It seems a little strange to sit down this morning and write this letter and at first impression it may seem strange to you, too, to know I did it. For the past four and a half years I have lived the life of a military man and have learned that an intelligent and efficient officer is in control of his emotions at all times. Therefore, you must know I write this with a clear mind and have thought out the contents beforehand.<br />
<br />
First of all, let me restate my willingness to serve in Vietnam. It is only another step in doing what I believe I owe to God and my country. As you raised me you taught me what is right and wrong, that no one owed me anything, but that I had been given the opportunity to better myself. You took me to church and I learned about God. All this has influenced by thoughts and ideas. I see an attack on the people of another land...both their bodies and their minds...and it disturbs me. I believe they should be allowed to live in peace. This is something the Viet Cong, the North Vietnamese Army and numerous other groups of people will never let others do. I believe my way of serving must be in the Marine Corps. Here I can actually carry out my beliefs by fighting for my country. All this reminds me of the words of Thomas Jefferson written inside his memorial in D. C. “I have sworn before the altar of God eternal hostility toward every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”<br />
<br />
To all of you I say this. Do not let feelings of sadness linger. Rather, think of my willingness to serve. It is my hope that what I have done with my life has made life better for others.<br />
<br />
Your son and brother, Alan<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Thoughts on an uncle I never knew, yet know so well<br />
<br />
By Jennifer Pint<br />
<br />
I was but 19 months old when Uncle Alan left for Vietnam, so I have no personal memories of him. However, through my mother, grandmother, and more recently, many of Alan’s classmates, I feel like I have come to know the extraordinary man who was my uncle. His loss is still felt among my siblings and cousins, as we wonder what kind of man Alan could have and would have become, who he may have married, and the cousins we should have had. What we do not have to wonder about is the incredible impact he made on the lives of those who knew him in his short 24 years, particularly hearing the testimonies and stories of many Naval Academy classmates in recent years. <br />
<br />
<cite>Submitted by: Jennifer Pint, Niece of Alan Kettner, Daughter of Alan’s sister, Mavis Pint</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/27801/ALAN-A-KETTNER Wall of Faces:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
My parents hosted midshipmen at our house from my grade school through college years. Alan visited many times and even continued to visit when we lived in Norfolk, VA. I have wonderful memories of him at family gatherings and at our church in Annapolis. He was a special midshipman. Sue (Seeger) Selters of Claremont CA<br />
<cite>SUE SELTERS, 12/24/14</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Alan, we only worked together for a short time before you left, but I admired your standards and principals. You would have gone far in life. After I got back from overseas, I saw your mother and told her what a great son she has and she should be proud. Now when I get back to our small town, I visit our cemetery to say hello to my mother, your mother and you. It may be your resting place, but I'm sure your spirit soars with your other lost brothers. Too short of a life!<br />
<cite>PAUL SCHMIDT, 7/13/03</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hello Sir,<br />
<br />
I wanted you to know that we (Your Marines) did all we could that awful day. The force we ran into turned out to be far stronger than expected. You were one of the very first men to fall. I found the radio and your map, then tried to call mortars on the enemy positions, but I was also hit before they could fire. I regret to report we got badly chopped up, sir.<br />
<br />
We were caught and pinned in a three-way triangulation of fire. Whichever way a Marine moved, he ran into automatic weapon beaten zones. Many Marines became casualties on that day before Easter Sunday. You know what's strange? I was really looking forward to that hot Easter meal we were promised. Its odd, what you miss in the midst of combat.<br />
<br />
Sgt. May, 1st squadleader, rallied the men and restored some order in the midst of all that chaos. He and Sgt Keaveny did real well, sir. I think you would have been proud of them, and just wanted you to know that. I can't say where our Platoon Sergeant went. I didn't see him since before initial contact, but recently heard he was uninjured that day.<br />
<br />
Sir, we tried to do right by you. Sitting in Heaven, watching your platoon fight to live, must have been highly frustrating. I just hope you weren't too disappointed. Did you help deflect some of the bullets that flashed past us? I'd like to think so.<br />
<br />
Lieutenant, I know you and I had some off moments, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to serve under your command. You were a very dedicated officer. I believe you would have gone far in the Marine Corps, if only you had survived. Can you imagine it? ...General Kettner! Has a kind of nice ring to it; don't you think so?<br />
<br />
Sir, your untimely death was our loss.<br />
<br />
Requiescat en Pace, Amen.<br />
<cite>JAVIER CASCOS - LCPL, 3RD SQDLDR, 2ND PLT., BRAVO CO. 1ST BN., 27TH MARINES, 9/25/02</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
'''A great classmate'''<br />
<br />
Al and I spent many late nights cramming together for exams. He was hard-working, honest, and courageous.<br />
<cite>BARRY POLLARA, 10/4/01</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Alan was a groomsman at the [https://www.newspapers.com/image/440524232/?terms=%22Alan%20Kettner%22&match=1 June, 1967 wedding] at the USNA Chapel of classmate [[JOSEPH_T._JOHNSON,_LTJG,_USN|Joseph T. Johnson]].<br />
<br />
== Family ==<br />
[https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/45084075 Alan was survived] by his mother and two sisters, Mrs. Bernard (Marlys) Berberich of Comfrey and Mrs. Peter (Mavis) Pint of Sunburn.<br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[THOMAS J. WEISS, 2LT, USMC|Thomas Weiss '67]] was also in 28th Company.<br />
<br />
{{NewClassNavigator|Name=Alan|HonoreesInClass=34|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=HENRY A. WRIGHT, 2LT, USMC|PreviousPersonName=Henry Wright '67|NextPersonLink=ROBERT E. TUTTLE, 2LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Robert Tuttle '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 28th Company|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:USMC|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:Ground|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:1st Battalion, 27th Marines|Kettner]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=ALAN ARTHUR KETTNER}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=ALAN_A._KETTNER,_2LT,_USMC&diff=166988ALAN A. KETTNER, 2LT, USMC2023-06-17T01:09:04Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Obituary */ address</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=August 22, 1944|DoD=April 3, 1968|Age=23|name_class=Alan Kettner '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Kettner LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=ALAN ARTHUR KETTNER<br />
|LBHometown=Springfield, Minnesota<br />
|LBText=Alan Arthur Kettner was born on August 22, 1943 in Springfield, Minnesota and lived in this small town for all of his twenty-three years. After graduating from high school he attended Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota for two years. At the Naval Academy Al participated in company cross country and fieldball and was one of the battalion standouts in the mile. During third class summer Al became interested in the Marine Corps and since that time he has worked hard to prepare himself for a successful career in the Corps. With a quiet but dogged determination Al will certainly reach his goal of making a contribution to his country's efforts whether in the Marine Corps or elsewhere. <br />
|LBOther=He was also a member of the 28th Company staff (spring).}}<br />
<br />
== Obituary ==<br />
From the September-October 1968 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
2nd Lt. Alan A. Kettner, USMC, was killed in action 13 April at Thua Thien near Hue, Vietnam, of rifle fire while on patrol. Services were held in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Springfield, Minn., his birthplace, with interment in the church cemetery. Military rites were conducted by the John Watson Post of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.<br />
<br />
Lt. Kettner attended Macalester College two years before entering the Naval Academy, from where he was graduated in 1967. He was a member of the cross country team and of Operation Information as a midshipman. He had been president of his senior high school class and was the school's representative to the Model United Nations Assembly at Winnipeg, Canada.<br />
<br />
Following graduation from the Academy, Lt. Kettner completed basic training at Marine Corps School, Quantico, Va., and was assigned to Company B, First Battalion, 27th Marines, First Division. He had been in Vietnam less than two months.<br />
<br />
Surviving are his mother, Mrs. Arthur F. Kettner of Springfield, Mn.; two sisters, Mrs. Bernard Berberich of Comfrey and Mrs. Peter Pint of Sanborn, Minn., and seven nieces and nephews. His father died when he was five years old.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/45084075 is buried in] Minnesota.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px><br />
File:1967 Kettner 1.jpg|From the July 1968 issue of ''Shipmate''.<br />
File:1967 Kettner 2.jpg|Photo courtesy of William Belden '67<br />
File:1967 Kettner 3.jpg|Photo courtesy of William Belden '67<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Remembrances ==<br />
From the Class of 1967 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Alan was killed by rifle fire while on patrol in Vietnam on April 13, 1968. He was serving with the United States Marine Corps in its infantry division near Thua Thein Province, near Hue, South Vietnam.<br />
<br />
According to the letter of condolence from Captain W.T. Sweeney to Alan’s mother, Edna Kettner:<br />
<br />
“Alan’s platoon was assigned to participate in a search and clear operation in the village of Thon An Lua, Vietnam. As the platoon approached the village, they came under intense enemy machine gun and small arms fire. They immediately formed a defense position and returned fire. While directing his men, Alan was mortally wounded by the enemy gunfire.<br />
<br />
Alan was one of the finest officers I have ever known. His leadership, uprightness and devotion to duty won for him the respect of all who knew him. “<br />
<br />
Alan Arthur Kettner was born August 22, 1943 to Arthur and Edna Kettner, in Springfield, Minn., and had two sisters, Marlys (Bernard) Berberich, and Mavis (Peter) Pint. Alan has nine nephews and nieces. In 1992, Lori (Berberich) and Joe Schumann named their son, Alan Joseph, in honor of Uncle Alan.<br />
<br />
Alan was the first man from Springfield to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was a member of the cross-country team and of Operation Information as a Midshipman. Prior to his appointment to the Naval Academy, he attended Macalester College for two years. He was a 1961 graduate of Springfield High School. He was president of his senior high school class and was the school’s representative to the Model United Nations Assembly in Winnipeg, Canada.<br />
<br />
Following graduation from the Naval Academy, Alan completed basic training at Marine Corps Officers Training School, Quantico, Va., and was assigned to Company B, First Battalion, 27th Marines, First Division. He had been in Vietnam less than two months when he was killed in action.<br />
<br />
In May 1968, the Springfield Rotary Club established a fund as a memorial to Alan. An scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving male student in the senior class of Springfield Public School.<br />
<br />
Before leaving for Vietnam, Alan wrote a letter to his mother, sisters, and brothers-in-law, to be opened in the event of his death. Following are excerpts from that letter:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Dear Mom and family,<br />
<br />
It seems a little strange to sit down this morning and write this letter and at first impression it may seem strange to you, too, to know I did it. For the past four and a half years I have lived the life of a military man and have learned that an intelligent and efficient officer is in control of his emotions at all times. Therefore, you must know I write this with a clear mind and have thought out the contents beforehand.<br />
<br />
First of all, let me restate my willingness to serve in Vietnam. It is only another step in doing what I believe I owe to God and my country. As you raised me you taught me what is right and wrong, that no one owed me anything, but that I had been given the opportunity to better myself. You took me to church and I learned about God. All this has influenced by thoughts and ideas. I see an attack on the people of another land...both their bodies and their minds...and it disturbs me. I believe they should be allowed to live in peace. This is something the Viet Cong, the North Vietnamese Army and numerous other groups of people will never let others do. I believe my way of serving must be in the Marine Corps. Here I can actually carry out my beliefs by fighting for my country. All this reminds me of the words of Thomas Jefferson written inside his memorial in D. C. “I have sworn before the altar of God eternal hostility toward every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”<br />
<br />
To all of you I say this. Do not let feelings of sadness linger. Rather, think of my willingness to serve. It is my hope that what I have done with my life has made life better for others.<br />
<br />
Your son and brother, Alan<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Thoughts on an uncle I never knew, yet know so well<br />
<br />
By Jennifer Pint<br />
<br />
I was but 19 months old when Uncle Alan left for Vietnam, so I have no personal memories of him. However, through my mother, grandmother, and more recently, many of Alan’s classmates, I feel like I have come to know the extraordinary man who was my uncle. His loss is still felt among my siblings and cousins, as we wonder what kind of man Alan could have and would have become, who he may have married, and the cousins we should have had. What we do not have to wonder about is the incredible impact he made on the lives of those who knew him in his short 24 years, particularly hearing the testimonies and stories of many Naval Academy classmates in recent years. <br />
<br />
<cite>Submitted by: Jennifer Pint, Niece of Alan Kettner, Daughter of Alan’s sister, Mavis Pint</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From [http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/27801/ALAN-A-KETTNER Wall of Faces:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
My parents hosted midshipmen at our house from my grade school through college years. Alan visited many times and even continued to visit when we lived in Norfolk, VA. I have wonderful memories of him at family gatherings and at our church in Annapolis. He was a special midshipman. Sue (Seeger) Selters of Claremont CA<br />
<cite>SUE SELTERS, 12/24/14</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Alan, we only worked together for a short time before you left, but I admired your standards and principals. You would have gone far in life. After I got back from overseas, I saw your mother and told her what a great son she has and she should be proud. Now when I get back to our small town, I visit our cemetery to say hello to my mother, your mother and you. It may be your resting place, but I'm sure your spirit soars with your other lost brothers. Too short of a life!<br />
<cite>PAUL SCHMIDT, 7/13/03</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hello Sir,<br />
<br />
I wanted you to know that we (Your Marines) did all we could that awful day. The force we ran into turned out to be far stronger than expected. You were one of the very first men to fall. I found the radio and your map, then tried to call mortars on the enemy positions, but I was also hit before they could fire. I regret to report we got badly chopped up, sir.<br />
<br />
We were caught and pinned in a three-way triangulation of fire. Whichever way a Marine moved, he ran into automatic weapon beaten zones. Many Marines became casualties on that day before Easter Sunday. You know what's strange? I was really looking forward to that hot Easter meal we were promised. Its odd, what you miss in the midst of combat.<br />
<br />
Sgt. May, 1st squadleader, rallied the men and restored some order in the midst of all that chaos. He and Sgt Keaveny did real well, sir. I think you would have been proud of them, and just wanted you to know that. I can't say where our Platoon Sergeant went. I didn't see him since before initial contact, but recently heard he was uninjured that day.<br />
<br />
Sir, we tried to do right by you. Sitting in Heaven, watching your platoon fight to live, must have been highly frustrating. I just hope you weren't too disappointed. Did you help deflect some of the bullets that flashed past us? I'd like to think so.<br />
<br />
Lieutenant, I know you and I had some off moments, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to serve under your command. You were a very dedicated officer. I believe you would have gone far in the Marine Corps, if only you had survived. Can you imagine it? ...General Kettner! Has a kind of nice ring to it; don't you think so?<br />
<br />
Sir, your untimely death was our loss.<br />
<br />
Requiescat en Pace, Amen.<br />
<cite>JAVIER CASCOS - LCPL, 3RD SQDLDR, 2ND PLT., BRAVO CO. 1ST BN., 27TH MARINES, 9/25/02</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
'''A great classmate'''<br />
<br />
Al and I spent many late nights cramming together for exams. He was hard-working, honest, and courageous.<br />
<cite>BARRY POLLARA, 10/4/01</cite><br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Family ==<br />
[https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/45084075 Alan was survived] by his mother and two sisters, Mrs. Bernard (Marlys) Berberich of Comfrey and Mrs. Peter (Mavis) Pint of Sunburn.<br />
<br />
== Related Articles ==<br />
[[THOMAS J. WEISS, 2LT, USMC|Thomas Weiss '67]] was also in 28th Company.<br />
<br />
{{NewClassNavigator|Name=Alan|HonoreesInClass=34|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=HENRY A. WRIGHT, 2LT, USMC|PreviousPersonName=Henry Wright '67|NextPersonLink=ROBERT E. TUTTLE, 2LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Robert Tuttle '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 28th Company|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:USMC|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:Ground|Kettner]]<br />
[[Category:1st Battalion, 27th Marines|Kettner]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=ALAN ARTHUR KETTNER}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=HENRY_A._WRIGHT,_2LT,_USMC&diff=166470HENRY A. WRIGHT, 2LT, USMC2023-06-08T00:36:55Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=June 9, 1946|DoD=February 6, 1968|Age=21|name_class=Henry Wright '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Wright LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=HENRY ARTHUR WRIGHT<br />
|LBHometown=Oakland, California<br />
|LBText=After graduating from Oakland High School in "sunny California", Henry found his way to the Naval Academy. His scholastic background enabled him to take full advantage of the electives program and to complete majors in German and Economics while at Navy. Never content with less than his best effort, Henry's hard work paid off, and he found himself consistently on the Superintendent's List. Henry's advice was much sought after by peer and subordinate alike. Henry will carry with him qualities that destine him to be a valuable asset to the Naval service, an inspiration and example to those with whom he comes in contact, and an unbounded personal success as well.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Henry was killed in action on February 6, 1968 by small arms fire from North Vietnamese forces. He was a platoon commander with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines. He had been in Vietnam for just over a month.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68485484 Find A Grave:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
The son of Roy E. Wright and Marjorie J. Wright of Oakland CA, Henry was commissioned on June 7, 1967 and entered into service with the US Marine Corps at the US Naval Academy.<br />
<br />
Arriving in Vietnam on January 5, 1968 2dLt Wright was assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion 7th Marines 1st MARDIV (Rein) FMF.<br />
<br />
On February 6 at approximately 08:45 CAP B-4 located in the hamlet of La Chau became engaged with an enemy force and requested assistance. Company D, nearby on Hill 47 deployed a two squad reaction force supported by an M48A1 Tank to the scene of the fire fright. Approaching La Chau the Tank struck a mine becoming disabled as the Marines began to receive heavy automatic weapons fire, B-40 rockets were fired at the Tank setting it ablaze. Additional reinforcements and air support was requested by the Marines.<br />
<br />
The action resulted in the deaths of eight Marines and one US Navy Corpsman, including 2Lt Wright who died as a result of a gunshot wound. Twenty men were also wounded during the fire fights with the enemy forces.<br />
<br />
2Lt Wight received a posthumous award of the Bronze Star Medal with combat "V" for "heroic achievement while serving as a Platoon Commander ...on 6 February 1968.."<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From the Class of 1967 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hank was born in Keokuk, IA, and came to USNA directly from Oakland High School in Oakland, CA. He was a member of the “old” 15th and then 22nd Company. Following a very challenging Plebe year Henry dedicated himself to excellence and a chance to prove his mettle. He completed majors in German and Economics, and was consistently on the Superintendent’s List.<br />
<br />
He service-selected USMC ground and immediately reported to Quantico, VA where he graduated from The Basic School with 1-68 Alpha Company, 5th Platoon. Reporting to Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines 1st MARDIV (Rein) FMF as a Platoon Commander on 5 January 1968.<br />
<br />
He was mortally wounded on 6 Feb 1968 while leading a platoon to the relief of a company under attack south of Da Nang during the communist Tet offensive. He led an attack against heavily entrenched enemy positions and was mortally wounded while directing covering fire for the evacuation of other wounded Marines. During the action he carried his wounded radioman to safety and tended him until the arrival of a corpsman.<br />
<br />
His initiative and fearless action were credited for the marines' success in breaching the enemy defenses. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart; his name is engraved on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, VVM Panel 37e, Line 76. He was a popular and highly admired member of the 22nd Company. His ever-present good sense of humor and calm demeanor endeared himself to all who knew him. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
In 1960 while in ninth grade, Henry won the [https://www.newspapers.com/image/332200798/?terms=%22roy%20e.%20wright%22&match=1 7th annual Oakland Public Schools Oakland Tribune Spelling Contest]. [https://www.newspapers.com/image/477732370/?terms=%22Henry%20A.%20Wright%22&match=1&clipping_id=126035897 In high school] Henry was active in Student Government and a member of the swimming team.<br />
<br />
Henry was [https://www.newspapers.com/image/477731749/?article=ee55ee2a-774a-47b4-9814-cd6c5c45ccc7 survived by] his parents Roy and Marjorie Wright, his sister Jean Kaneda, and grandmothers Rose Wright and Elizabeth Norton. He is [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68485484/henry-arthur-wright interred] at Mountain View Cemetery in Alameda County, California.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Wright 1.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Bronze Star ==<br />
From the November 1968 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
A Bronze Star Medal with combat "V" was awarded posthumously to Henry A. WRIGHT by the Commandant of the Marine Corps in the name of the President of the United States. Henry was killed in action 6 Feb. in Vietnam. The medal was sent to his mother, and notification to the class was made by his uncle, Capt. Gerald S. Norton, USN '39.<br />
<br />
The citation stated:<br /><br />
"For heroic achievement while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 February 1968. While conducting operations in Quang Nam Province, two squads of Company C suddenly came under intense small-arms and automatic weapons fire from an estimated hostile force of two companies entrenched along a tree line in the vicinity of the village of La Chau. Upon learning of the situation, Lieutenant Wright immediately organized a reaction platoon and expeditiously moved his unit to the area of the fire fight to reinforce the beleaguered Marines. Arriving in the battle area, he completely disregarded his own safety as he exposed himself to enemy fire to move to a vantage point where he could analyze the situation and more effectively control and direct the actions of his men. He led an aggressive assault against hostile emplacements by skillfully directing his men by fire and maneuver across an open rice paddy in an attack that breached the center of the enemy line. When his radio operator was seriously wounded, without hesitation he placed the radio on his back and carried the injured Marine to a secure position, where he gave first aid to him. Quickly returning to his platoon, he continued to direct and influence the actions of his men and provide effective covering fire for the extraction of the wounded and the movement of his men to defensive positions, until he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Due largely to his bold initiative and fearless action, he was instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission and saving several of his fellow Marines from further injury or possible death. His superior leadership, steadfast courage and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."<br />
<br />
Henry was a fine classmate and officer. The class is proud of him.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
{{NewClassNavigator|Name=Henry|HonoreesInClass=34|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=ROBERT R. BOSSERT, MIDN, USN|PreviousPersonName=Robert Bossert '67|NextPersonLink=ALAN A. KETTNER, 2LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Alan Kettner '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 22nd Company|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:USMC|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:Ground|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:1st Battalion, 7th Marines|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:Bronze Star|Wright]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=HENRY ARTHUR WRIGHT}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=HENRY_A._WRIGHT,_2LT,_USMC&diff=166469HENRY A. WRIGHT, 2LT, USMC2023-06-08T00:31:59Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */ spelling bee and surviving family members</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=June 9, 1946|DoD=February 6, 1968|Age=21|name_class=Henry Wright '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Wright LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=HENRY ARTHUR WRIGHT<br />
|LBHometown=Oakland, California<br />
|LBText=After graduating from Oakland High School in "sunny California", Henry found his way to the Naval Academy. His scholastic background enabled him to take full advantage of the electives program and to complete majors in German and Economics while at Navy. Never content with less than his best effort, Henry's hard work paid off, and he found himself consistently on the Superintendent's List. Henry's advice was much sought after by peer and subordinate alike. Henry will carry with him qualities that destine him to be a valuable asset to the Naval service, an inspiration and example to those with whom he comes in contact, and an unbounded personal success as well.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Henry was killed in action on February 6, 1968 by small arms fire from North Vietnamese forces. He was a platoon commander with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines. He had been in Vietnam for just over a month.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68485484 Find A Grave:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
The son of Roy E. Wright and Marjorie J. Wright of Oakland CA, Henry was commissioned on June 7, 1967 and entered into service with the US Marine Corps at the US Naval Academy.<br />
<br />
Arriving in Vietnam on January 5, 1968 2dLt Wright was assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion 7th Marines 1st MARDIV (Rein) FMF.<br />
<br />
On February 6 at approximately 08:45 CAP B-4 located in the hamlet of La Chau became engaged with an enemy force and requested assistance. Company D, nearby on Hill 47 deployed a two squad reaction force supported by an M48A1 Tank to the scene of the fire fright. Approaching La Chau the Tank struck a mine becoming disabled as the Marines began to receive heavy automatic weapons fire, B-40 rockets were fired at the Tank setting it ablaze. Additional reinforcements and air support was requested by the Marines.<br />
<br />
The action resulted in the deaths of eight Marines and one US Navy Corpsman, including 2Lt Wright who died as a result of a gunshot wound. Twenty men were also wounded during the fire fights with the enemy forces.<br />
<br />
2Lt Wight received a posthumous award of the Bronze Star Medal with combat "V" for "heroic achievement while serving as a Platoon Commander ...on 6 February 1968.."<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From the Class of 1967 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hank was born in Keokuk, IA, and came to USNA directly from Oakland High School in Oakland, CA. He was a member of the “old” 15th and then 22nd Company. Following a very challenging Plebe year Henry dedicated himself to excellence and a chance to prove his mettle. He completed majors in German and Economics, and was consistently on the Superintendent’s List.<br />
<br />
He service-selected USMC ground and immediately reported to Quantico, VA where he graduated from The Basic School with 1-68 Alpha Company, 5th Platoon. Reporting to Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines 1st MARDIV (Rein) FMF as a Platoon Commander on 5 January 1968.<br />
<br />
He was mortally wounded on 6 Feb 1968 while leading a platoon to the relief of a company under attack south of Da Nang during the communist Tet offensive. He led an attack against heavily entrenched enemy positions and was mortally wounded while directing covering fire for the evacuation of other wounded Marines. During the action he carried his wounded radioman to safety and tended him until the arrival of a corpsman.<br />
<br />
His initiative and fearless action were credited for the marines' success in breaching the enemy defenses. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart; his name is engraved on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, VVM Panel 37e, Line 76. He was a popular and highly admired member of the 22nd Company. His ever-present good sense of humor and calm demeanor endeared himself to all who knew him. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
In 1960 while in ninth grade, Henry won the [https://www.newspapers.com/image/332200798/?terms=%22roy%20e.%20wright%22&match=1 7th annual Oakland Public Schools Oakland Tribune Spelling Contest].<br />
<br />
Henry was [https://www.newspapers.com/image/477731749/?article=ee55ee2a-774a-47b4-9814-cd6c5c45ccc7 survived by] his parents Roy and Marjorie Wright, his sister Jean Kaneda, and grandmothers Rose Wright and Elizabeth Norton. He is [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68485484/henry-arthur-wright interred] at Mountain View Cemetery in Alameda County, California.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Wright 1.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Bronze Star ==<br />
From the November 1968 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
A Bronze Star Medal with combat "V" was awarded posthumously to Henry A. WRIGHT by the Commandant of the Marine Corps in the name of the President of the United States. Henry was killed in action 6 Feb. in Vietnam. The medal was sent to his mother, and notification to the class was made by his uncle, Capt. Gerald S. Norton, USN '39.<br />
<br />
The citation stated:<br /><br />
"For heroic achievement while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 February 1968. While conducting operations in Quang Nam Province, two squads of Company C suddenly came under intense small-arms and automatic weapons fire from an estimated hostile force of two companies entrenched along a tree line in the vicinity of the village of La Chau. Upon learning of the situation, Lieutenant Wright immediately organized a reaction platoon and expeditiously moved his unit to the area of the fire fight to reinforce the beleaguered Marines. Arriving in the battle area, he completely disregarded his own safety as he exposed himself to enemy fire to move to a vantage point where he could analyze the situation and more effectively control and direct the actions of his men. He led an aggressive assault against hostile emplacements by skillfully directing his men by fire and maneuver across an open rice paddy in an attack that breached the center of the enemy line. When his radio operator was seriously wounded, without hesitation he placed the radio on his back and carried the injured Marine to a secure position, where he gave first aid to him. Quickly returning to his platoon, he continued to direct and influence the actions of his men and provide effective covering fire for the extraction of the wounded and the movement of his men to defensive positions, until he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Due largely to his bold initiative and fearless action, he was instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission and saving several of his fellow Marines from further injury or possible death. His superior leadership, steadfast courage and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."<br />
<br />
Henry was a fine classmate and officer. The class is proud of him.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
{{NewClassNavigator|Name=Henry|HonoreesInClass=34|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=ROBERT R. BOSSERT, MIDN, USN|PreviousPersonName=Robert Bossert '67|NextPersonLink=ALAN A. KETTNER, 2LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Alan Kettner '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 22nd Company|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:USMC|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:Ground|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:1st Battalion, 7th Marines|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:Bronze Star|Wright]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=HENRY ARTHUR WRIGHT}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=HENRY_A._WRIGHT,_2LT,_USMC&diff=166468HENRY A. WRIGHT, 2LT, USMC2023-06-07T23:47:08Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=June 9, 1946|DoD=February 6, 1968|Age=21|name_class=Henry Wright '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Wright LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=HENRY ARTHUR WRIGHT<br />
|LBHometown=Oakland, California<br />
|LBText=After graduating from Oakland High School in "sunny California", Henry found his way to the Naval Academy. His scholastic background enabled him to take full advantage of the electives program and to complete majors in German and Economics while at Navy. Never content with less than his best effort, Henry's hard work paid off, and he found himself consistently on the Superintendent's List. Henry's advice was much sought after by peer and subordinate alike. Henry will carry with him qualities that destine him to be a valuable asset to the Naval service, an inspiration and example to those with whom he comes in contact, and an unbounded personal success as well.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Henry was killed in action on February 6, 1968 by small arms fire from North Vietnamese forces. He was a platoon commander with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines. He had been in Vietnam for just over a month.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68485484 Find A Grave:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
The son of Roy E. Wright and Marjorie J. Wright of Oakland CA, Henry was commissioned on June 7, 1967 and entered into service with the US Marine Corps at the US Naval Academy.<br />
<br />
Arriving in Vietnam on January 5, 1968 2dLt Wright was assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion 7th Marines 1st MARDIV (Rein) FMF.<br />
<br />
On February 6 at approximately 08:45 CAP B-4 located in the hamlet of La Chau became engaged with an enemy force and requested assistance. Company D, nearby on Hill 47 deployed a two squad reaction force supported by an M48A1 Tank to the scene of the fire fright. Approaching La Chau the Tank struck a mine becoming disabled as the Marines began to receive heavy automatic weapons fire, B-40 rockets were fired at the Tank setting it ablaze. Additional reinforcements and air support was requested by the Marines.<br />
<br />
The action resulted in the deaths of eight Marines and one US Navy Corpsman, including 2Lt Wright who died as a result of a gunshot wound. Twenty men were also wounded during the fire fights with the enemy forces.<br />
<br />
2Lt Wight received a posthumous award of the Bronze Star Medal with combat "V" for "heroic achievement while serving as a Platoon Commander ...on 6 February 1968.."<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From the Class of 1967 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hank was born in Keokuk, IA, and came to USNA directly from Oakland High School in Oakland, CA. He was a member of the “old” 15th and then 22nd Company. Following a very challenging Plebe year Henry dedicated himself to excellence and a chance to prove his mettle. He completed majors in German and Economics, and was consistently on the Superintendent’s List.<br />
<br />
He service-selected USMC ground and immediately reported to Quantico, VA where he graduated from The Basic School with 1-68 Alpha Company, 5th Platoon. Reporting to Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines 1st MARDIV (Rein) FMF as a Platoon Commander on 5 January 1968.<br />
<br />
He was mortally wounded on 6 Feb 1968 while leading a platoon to the relief of a company under attack south of Da Nang during the communist Tet offensive. He led an attack against heavily entrenched enemy positions and was mortally wounded while directing covering fire for the evacuation of other wounded Marines. During the action he carried his wounded radioman to safety and tended him until the arrival of a corpsman.<br />
<br />
His initiative and fearless action were credited for the marines' success in breaching the enemy defenses. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart; his name is engraved on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, VVM Panel 37e, Line 76. He was a popular and highly admired member of the 22nd Company. His ever-present good sense of humor and calm demeanor endeared himself to all who knew him. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Henry was [https://www.newspapers.com/image/619130933/?terms=henry%20wright&match=1 survived by] his parents. He is [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68485484/henry-arthur-wright interred] at Mountain View Cemetery in Alameda County, California.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Wright 1.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Bronze Star ==<br />
From the November 1968 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
A Bronze Star Medal with combat "V" was awarded posthumously to Henry A. WRIGHT by the Commandant of the Marine Corps in the name of the President of the United States. Henry was killed in action 6 Feb. in Vietnam. The medal was sent to his mother, and notification to the class was made by his uncle, Capt. Gerald S. Norton, USN '39.<br />
<br />
The citation stated:<br /><br />
"For heroic achievement while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 February 1968. While conducting operations in Quang Nam Province, two squads of Company C suddenly came under intense small-arms and automatic weapons fire from an estimated hostile force of two companies entrenched along a tree line in the vicinity of the village of La Chau. Upon learning of the situation, Lieutenant Wright immediately organized a reaction platoon and expeditiously moved his unit to the area of the fire fight to reinforce the beleaguered Marines. Arriving in the battle area, he completely disregarded his own safety as he exposed himself to enemy fire to move to a vantage point where he could analyze the situation and more effectively control and direct the actions of his men. He led an aggressive assault against hostile emplacements by skillfully directing his men by fire and maneuver across an open rice paddy in an attack that breached the center of the enemy line. When his radio operator was seriously wounded, without hesitation he placed the radio on his back and carried the injured Marine to a secure position, where he gave first aid to him. Quickly returning to his platoon, he continued to direct and influence the actions of his men and provide effective covering fire for the extraction of the wounded and the movement of his men to defensive positions, until he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Due largely to his bold initiative and fearless action, he was instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission and saving several of his fellow Marines from further injury or possible death. His superior leadership, steadfast courage and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."<br />
<br />
Henry was a fine classmate and officer. The class is proud of him.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
{{NewClassNavigator|Name=Henry|HonoreesInClass=34|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=ROBERT R. BOSSERT, MIDN, USN|PreviousPersonName=Robert Bossert '67|NextPersonLink=ALAN A. KETTNER, 2LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Alan Kettner '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 22nd Company|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:USMC|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:Ground|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:1st Battalion, 7th Marines|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:Bronze Star|Wright]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=HENRY ARTHUR WRIGHT}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=HENRY_A._WRIGHT,_2LT,_USMC&diff=166467HENRY A. WRIGHT, 2LT, USMC2023-06-07T23:33:15Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */ surviving family, burial</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=June 9, 1946|DoD=February 6, 1968|Age=21|name_class=Henry Wright '67}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1967unse|class=1967<br />
|picture=1967 Wright LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=HENRY ARTHUR WRIGHT<br />
|LBHometown=Oakland, California<br />
|LBText=After graduating from Oakland High School in "sunny California", Henry found his way to the Naval Academy. His scholastic background enabled him to take full advantage of the electives program and to complete majors in German and Economics while at Navy. Never content with less than his best effort, Henry's hard work paid off, and he found himself consistently on the Superintendent's List. Henry's advice was much sought after by peer and subordinate alike. Henry will carry with him qualities that destine him to be a valuable asset to the Naval service, an inspiration and example to those with whom he comes in contact, and an unbounded personal success as well.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Henry was killed in action on February 6, 1968 by small arms fire from North Vietnamese forces. He was a platoon commander with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines. He had been in Vietnam for just over a month.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68485484 Find A Grave:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
The son of Roy E. Wright and Marjorie J. Wright of Oakland CA, Henry was commissioned on June 7, 1967 and entered into service with the US Marine Corps at the US Naval Academy.<br />
<br />
Arriving in Vietnam on January 5, 1968 2dLt Wright was assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion 7th Marines 1st MARDIV (Rein) FMF.<br />
<br />
On February 6 at approximately 08:45 CAP B-4 located in the hamlet of La Chau became engaged with an enemy force and requested assistance. Company D, nearby on Hill 47 deployed a two squad reaction force supported by an M48A1 Tank to the scene of the fire fright. Approaching La Chau the Tank struck a mine becoming disabled as the Marines began to receive heavy automatic weapons fire, B-40 rockets were fired at the Tank setting it ablaze. Additional reinforcements and air support was requested by the Marines.<br />
<br />
The action resulted in the deaths of eight Marines and one US Navy Corpsman, including 2Lt Wright who died as a result of a gunshot wound. Twenty men were also wounded during the fire fights with the enemy forces.<br />
<br />
2Lt Wight received a posthumous award of the Bronze Star Medal with combat "V" for "heroic achievement while serving as a Platoon Commander ...on 6 February 1968.."<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
From the Class of 1967 50th Reunion Yearbook, courtesy of William Belden '67:<br />
<blockquote><br />
Hank was born in Keokuk, IA, and came to USNA directly from Oakland High School in Oakland, CA. He was a member of the “old” 15th and then 22nd Company. Following a very challenging Plebe year Henry dedicated himself to excellence and a chance to prove his mettle. He completed majors in German and Economics, and was consistently on the Superintendent’s List.<br />
<br />
He service-selected USMC ground and immediately reported to Quantico, VA where he graduated from The Basic School with 1-68 Alpha Company, 5th Platoon. Reporting to Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines 1st MARDIV (Rein) FMF as a Platoon Commander on 5 January 1968.<br />
<br />
He was mortally wounded on 6 Feb 1968 while leading a platoon to the relief of a company under attack south of Da Nang during the communist Tet offensive. He led an attack against heavily entrenched enemy positions and was mortally wounded while directing covering fire for the evacuation of other wounded Marines. During the action he carried his wounded radioman to safety and tended him until the arrival of a corpsman.<br />
<br />
His initiative and fearless action were credited for the marines' success in breaching the enemy defenses. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart; his name is engraved on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, VVM Panel 37e, Line 76. He was a popular and highly admired member of the 22nd Company. His ever-present good sense of humor and calm demeanor endeared himself to all who knew him. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Henry was [https://www.newspapers.com/image/619130933/?terms=henry%20wright&match=1 survived by] his parents and brother Charles. He is [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68485484/henry-arthur-wright interred] at Mountain View Cemetery in Alameda County, California.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1967 Wright 1.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Bronze Star ==<br />
From the November 1968 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
A Bronze Star Medal with combat "V" was awarded posthumously to Henry A. WRIGHT by the Commandant of the Marine Corps in the name of the President of the United States. Henry was killed in action 6 Feb. in Vietnam. The medal was sent to his mother, and notification to the class was made by his uncle, Capt. Gerald S. Norton, USN '39.<br />
<br />
The citation stated:<br /><br />
"For heroic achievement while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 February 1968. While conducting operations in Quang Nam Province, two squads of Company C suddenly came under intense small-arms and automatic weapons fire from an estimated hostile force of two companies entrenched along a tree line in the vicinity of the village of La Chau. Upon learning of the situation, Lieutenant Wright immediately organized a reaction platoon and expeditiously moved his unit to the area of the fire fight to reinforce the beleaguered Marines. Arriving in the battle area, he completely disregarded his own safety as he exposed himself to enemy fire to move to a vantage point where he could analyze the situation and more effectively control and direct the actions of his men. He led an aggressive assault against hostile emplacements by skillfully directing his men by fire and maneuver across an open rice paddy in an attack that breached the center of the enemy line. When his radio operator was seriously wounded, without hesitation he placed the radio on his back and carried the injured Marine to a secure position, where he gave first aid to him. Quickly returning to his platoon, he continued to direct and influence the actions of his men and provide effective covering fire for the extraction of the wounded and the movement of his men to defensive positions, until he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Due largely to his bold initiative and fearless action, he was instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission and saving several of his fellow Marines from further injury or possible death. His superior leadership, steadfast courage and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."<br />
<br />
Henry was a fine classmate and officer. The class is proud of him.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
{{NewClassNavigator|Name=Henry|HonoreesInClass=34|ClassYear=1967|PreviousPersonLink=ROBERT R. BOSSERT, MIDN, USN|PreviousPersonName=Robert Bossert '67|NextPersonLink=ALAN A. KETTNER, 2LT, USMC|NextPersonName=Alan Kettner '67}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1967|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 22nd Company|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:USMC|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:KIA|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:Vietnam|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:Ground|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:1st Battalion, 7th Marines|Wright]]<br />
[[Category:Bronze Star|Wright]]<br />
{{KIA|panel=HENRY ARTHUR WRIGHT}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=ANDREW_A._RASMUSSEN,_LCDR,_USNR&diff=166089ANDREW A. RASMUSSEN, LCDR, USNR2023-05-07T23:55:37Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Obituary */ removed shipmate survivor list, replaced with full obit list</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=September 14, 1946|DoD=March 16, 1985|Age=38|name_class=Andrew Rasmussen '68}}<br />
{{Info|Hometown=California}}<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1968unse|class=1968<br />
|picture=1968 Rasmussen LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=ANDREW ANTHONY RASMUSSEN<br />
|LBText=Andy — better known as "Drew" came to us at Mother B from his mothers loving arms at the tender age of seventeen. With a background of high school athletics (3 sport letterman), ASB President, and outstanding academics, Drew was not about to let his age bother him.<br />
</p><p><br />
His quick wit and tremendous personality made him one of the best liked and respected members of his class. When elected class Vice-President youngster year, Andy did much to help both his classmates and school. <br />
</p><p><br />
Yet Andy's biggest struggle was not on the varsity football field or any other normal activity. His toughest battle was an hourly struggle with the pad monster, one which he was forever losing.<br />
</p><p><br />
With his many outstanding qualities and great leadership potential, Andy is certain to have a very promising career with the Navy.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Andrew was lost on March 16, 1985 when the F/A-18 he was piloting crashed into a shallow lake in Nevada. He was engaged in a practice strike, flying from Fallon NAS, Nevada, in an aircraft that was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125.<br />
<br />
From [https://www.newspapers.com/image/749097139/?terms=Andrew%20Rasmussen&match=1 The Lemoore Advance] on March 21, 1985:<br />
<blockquote><br />
A selected air reserve pilot from Evergreen, Colo., Rasmussen was on annual active duty with VFA-303. The squadron is the only reserve unit to fly the FA-18 —an effort by Navy Secretary John Lehman to modernize the reserve forces— although the Golden Hawks have yet to take actual possession of a Hornet. The aircraft involved in the crash was assigned to VFA-125, the Hornet training unit based at Lemoore.<br />
<br />
VFA-303, flying the A-7B Corsair at Alameda NAS until moving to Lemoore in January of 1984, includes four full-time reserve officers and 11 selected air reservist pilots. Because of the delay in receiving the Hornet tire Golden Hawks have trained with VFA-125.<br />
<br />
The squadron has been operating as a unit at LNAS and Fallon this month.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From researcher Kathy Franz:<br />
<blockquote><br />
The final decision about his death was that Andrew became disoriented seconds before he crashed -- attributed to losing “situational awareness” while on a practice bombing run. In civilian life, he was an insurance agent.<br />
<br />
His parents were Mrs. and Mrs. Eric Rasmussen. He graduated from Fresno High School in 1964. He was sophomore class president, junior class president, student body president, and belonged to the Senate. He was a delegate to California Boys State for the American Legion and was a member of the varsity football, basketball and swimming teams. Along with 11 others, he was awarded membership in Service “F” for outstanding participation and citizenship in school activities. As a sophomore, he was an officer in the Latin Club. His father taught U.S. History at the high school. He was honored as an outstanding youth by the California Junior Chamber of Commerce at a dinner on June 30 and won a $350 scholarship award. <br />
<br />
At the Naval Academy, he also was in the Foreign Relations Club, the Russian Club, and on the Honor Committee.<br />
<br />
In August 1970, he completed the basic jet training course at Forest Sherman Field at Pensacola which included four arrested carrier landings and four catapult take-offs from the deck of the carrier Lexington.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Andy continued to [https://www.newspapers.com/image/674927473/?terms=%22Andy%20Rasmussen%22%20Naval%20Academy&match=1 play football with former Navy teammates], including Roger Staubach '65, while stationed at Pensacola with the Pensacola Goshawks, the base team that played other military teams and a few southern colleges.<br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/121745457 is buried in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
==Obituary==<br />
From the June 1985 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Cdr. Andrew A. Rasmussen USNR died in a military plane crash at Fallon Air Force Base, Nevada, on 16 March 1985. He was on active duty for training at the time. <br />
<br />
Born in Canton, Illinois, he was appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of California and graduated with the Class of 1968. <br />
<br />
He won his wings as a Naval Aviator in 1970 and flew F-9's with VT-25 at Chase Field, Texas. Later, he flew F-4's with VF-92 from the carrier Constellation and also at NAS Miramar, Calf. His final tour on active duty was with VC-7, also at Miramar, flying A-4's. <br />
<br />
Leaving active duty in December 1976 as a lieutenant, he flew 727's for American Airlines out of New York City. He was a member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Andrew was survived by his wife Julie; a stepson, Chad Turner of Colorado; two stepdaughters, Stacey and Tina Turner, both of Colorado; parents Anne & Eric Rasmussen, of Fresno; two brothers, Sam Rasmussen of San Diego and Mike Rasmussen of Berkeley; and two sisters, Mira A. and Susan Rasmussen, both of San Diego according his [https://www.newspapers.com/image/705329671/?terms=Andrew%20Rasmussen&match=1 Fresno Bee obituary].<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
All three photographs are from his high school yearbook.<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1968 Rasmussen 1.jpg<br />
File:1968 Rasmussen 2.jpg<br />
File:1968 Rasmussen 3.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Memorial Hall Error ==<br />
Andrew was a member of the Navy Reserve at the time of his loss; Memorial Hall has USN.<br />
<br />
{{NewClassNavigator|Name=Andrew|HonoreesInClass=29|ClassYear=1968|PreviousPersonLink=JOHN F. DALTON, LTCOL, USMC|PreviousPersonName=John Dalton '68}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1968|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 31st Company|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:USNR|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 303|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:MH error-rank]]<br />
{{OpLoss|uncorrected=ANDREW A. RASMUSSEN, LCDR, USN}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=ANDREW_A._RASMUSSEN,_LCDR,_USNR&diff=166088ANDREW A. RASMUSSEN, LCDR, USNR2023-05-07T23:50:42Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */ Goshawks info</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=September 14, 1946|DoD=March 16, 1985|Age=38|name_class=Andrew Rasmussen '68}}<br />
{{Info|Hometown=California}}<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1968unse|class=1968<br />
|picture=1968 Rasmussen LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=ANDREW ANTHONY RASMUSSEN<br />
|LBText=Andy — better known as "Drew" came to us at Mother B from his mothers loving arms at the tender age of seventeen. With a background of high school athletics (3 sport letterman), ASB President, and outstanding academics, Drew was not about to let his age bother him.<br />
</p><p><br />
His quick wit and tremendous personality made him one of the best liked and respected members of his class. When elected class Vice-President youngster year, Andy did much to help both his classmates and school. <br />
</p><p><br />
Yet Andy's biggest struggle was not on the varsity football field or any other normal activity. His toughest battle was an hourly struggle with the pad monster, one which he was forever losing.<br />
</p><p><br />
With his many outstanding qualities and great leadership potential, Andy is certain to have a very promising career with the Navy.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Andrew was lost on March 16, 1985 when the F/A-18 he was piloting crashed into a shallow lake in Nevada. He was engaged in a practice strike, flying from Fallon NAS, Nevada, in an aircraft that was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125.<br />
<br />
From [https://www.newspapers.com/image/749097139/?terms=Andrew%20Rasmussen&match=1 The Lemoore Advance] on March 21, 1985:<br />
<blockquote><br />
A selected air reserve pilot from Evergreen, Colo., Rasmussen was on annual active duty with VFA-303. The squadron is the only reserve unit to fly the FA-18 —an effort by Navy Secretary John Lehman to modernize the reserve forces— although the Golden Hawks have yet to take actual possession of a Hornet. The aircraft involved in the crash was assigned to VFA-125, the Hornet training unit based at Lemoore.<br />
<br />
VFA-303, flying the A-7B Corsair at Alameda NAS until moving to Lemoore in January of 1984, includes four full-time reserve officers and 11 selected air reservist pilots. Because of the delay in receiving the Hornet tire Golden Hawks have trained with VFA-125.<br />
<br />
The squadron has been operating as a unit at LNAS and Fallon this month.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From researcher Kathy Franz:<br />
<blockquote><br />
The final decision about his death was that Andrew became disoriented seconds before he crashed -- attributed to losing “situational awareness” while on a practice bombing run. In civilian life, he was an insurance agent.<br />
<br />
His parents were Mrs. and Mrs. Eric Rasmussen. He graduated from Fresno High School in 1964. He was sophomore class president, junior class president, student body president, and belonged to the Senate. He was a delegate to California Boys State for the American Legion and was a member of the varsity football, basketball and swimming teams. Along with 11 others, he was awarded membership in Service “F” for outstanding participation and citizenship in school activities. As a sophomore, he was an officer in the Latin Club. His father taught U.S. History at the high school. He was honored as an outstanding youth by the California Junior Chamber of Commerce at a dinner on June 30 and won a $350 scholarship award. <br />
<br />
At the Naval Academy, he also was in the Foreign Relations Club, the Russian Club, and on the Honor Committee.<br />
<br />
In August 1970, he completed the basic jet training course at Forest Sherman Field at Pensacola which included four arrested carrier landings and four catapult take-offs from the deck of the carrier Lexington.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Andy continued to [https://www.newspapers.com/image/674927473/?terms=%22Andy%20Rasmussen%22%20Naval%20Academy&match=1 play football with former Navy teammates], including Roger Staubach '65, while stationed at Pensacola with the Pensacola Goshawks, the base team that played other military teams and a few southern colleges.<br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/121745457 is buried in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
==Obituary==<br />
From the June 1985 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Cdr. Andrew A. Rasmussen USNR died in a military plane crash at Fallon Air Force Base, Nevada, on 16 March 1985. He was on active duty for training at the time. <br />
<br />
Born in Canton, Illinois, he was appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of California and graduated with the Class of 1968. <br />
<br />
He won his wings as a Naval Aviator in 1970 and flew F-9's with VT-25 at Chase Field, Texas. Later, he flew F-4's with VF-92 from the carrier Constellation and also at NAS Miramar, Calf. His final tour on active duty was with VC-7, also at Miramar, flying A-4's. <br />
<br />
Leaving active duty in December 1976 as a lieutenant, he flew 727's for American Airlines out of New York City. He was a member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association. <br />
<br />
Commander Rasmussen lived in Colorado with his wife and step-children; ... he is also survived by a sister, Mary Anne Rasmussen of California. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
All three photographs are from his high school yearbook.<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1968 Rasmussen 1.jpg<br />
File:1968 Rasmussen 2.jpg<br />
File:1968 Rasmussen 3.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Memorial Hall Error ==<br />
Andrew was a member of the Navy Reserve at the time of his loss; Memorial Hall has USN.<br />
<br />
{{NewClassNavigator|Name=Andrew|HonoreesInClass=29|ClassYear=1968|PreviousPersonLink=JOHN F. DALTON, LTCOL, USMC|PreviousPersonName=John Dalton '68}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1968|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 31st Company|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:USNR|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 303|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:MH error-rank]]<br />
{{OpLoss|uncorrected=ANDREW A. RASMUSSEN, LCDR, USN}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=ANDREW_A._RASMUSSEN,_LCDR,_USNR&diff=166087ANDREW A. RASMUSSEN, LCDR, USNR2023-05-07T23:45:36Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Loss */ added newspaper article</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=September 14, 1946|DoD=March 16, 1985|Age=38|name_class=Andrew Rasmussen '68}}<br />
{{Info|Hometown=California}}<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1968unse|class=1968<br />
|picture=1968 Rasmussen LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=ANDREW ANTHONY RASMUSSEN<br />
|LBText=Andy — better known as "Drew" came to us at Mother B from his mothers loving arms at the tender age of seventeen. With a background of high school athletics (3 sport letterman), ASB President, and outstanding academics, Drew was not about to let his age bother him.<br />
</p><p><br />
His quick wit and tremendous personality made him one of the best liked and respected members of his class. When elected class Vice-President youngster year, Andy did much to help both his classmates and school. <br />
</p><p><br />
Yet Andy's biggest struggle was not on the varsity football field or any other normal activity. His toughest battle was an hourly struggle with the pad monster, one which he was forever losing.<br />
</p><p><br />
With his many outstanding qualities and great leadership potential, Andy is certain to have a very promising career with the Navy.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Andrew was lost on March 16, 1985 when the F/A-18 he was piloting crashed into a shallow lake in Nevada. He was engaged in a practice strike, flying from Fallon NAS, Nevada, in an aircraft that was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125.<br />
<br />
From [https://www.newspapers.com/image/749097139/?terms=Andrew%20Rasmussen&match=1 The Lemoore Advance] on March 21, 1985:<br />
<blockquote><br />
A selected air reserve pilot from Evergreen, Colo., Rasmussen was on annual active duty with VFA-303. The squadron is the only reserve unit to fly the FA-18 —an effort by Navy Secretary John Lehman to modernize the reserve forces— although the Golden Hawks have yet to take actual possession of a Hornet. The aircraft involved in the crash was assigned to VFA-125, the Hornet training unit based at Lemoore.<br />
<br />
VFA-303, flying the A-7B Corsair at Alameda NAS until moving to Lemoore in January of 1984, includes four full-time reserve officers and 11 selected air reservist pilots. Because of the delay in receiving the Hornet tire Golden Hawks have trained with VFA-125.<br />
<br />
The squadron has been operating as a unit at LNAS and Fallon this month.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From researcher Kathy Franz:<br />
<blockquote><br />
The final decision about his death was that Andrew became disoriented seconds before he crashed -- attributed to losing “situational awareness” while on a practice bombing run. In civilian life, he was an insurance agent.<br />
<br />
His parents were Mrs. and Mrs. Eric Rasmussen. He graduated from Fresno High School in 1964. He was sophomore class president, junior class president, student body president, and belonged to the Senate. He was a delegate to California Boys State for the American Legion and was a member of the varsity football, basketball and swimming teams. Along with 11 others, he was awarded membership in Service “F” for outstanding participation and citizenship in school activities. As a sophomore, he was an officer in the Latin Club. His father taught U.S. History at the high school. He was honored as an outstanding youth by the California Junior Chamber of Commerce at a dinner on June 30 and won a $350 scholarship award. <br />
<br />
At the Naval Academy, he also was in the Foreign Relations Club, the Russian Club, and on the Honor Committee.<br />
<br />
In August 1970, he completed the basic jet training course at Forest Sherman Field at Pensacola which included four arrested carrier landings and four catapult take-offs from the deck of the carrier Lexington.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/121745457 is buried in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
==Obituary==<br />
From the June 1985 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Cdr. Andrew A. Rasmussen USNR died in a military plane crash at Fallon Air Force Base, Nevada, on 16 March 1985. He was on active duty for training at the time. <br />
<br />
Born in Canton, Illinois, he was appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of California and graduated with the Class of 1968. <br />
<br />
He won his wings as a Naval Aviator in 1970 and flew F-9's with VT-25 at Chase Field, Texas. Later, he flew F-4's with VF-92 from the carrier Constellation and also at NAS Miramar, Calf. His final tour on active duty was with VC-7, also at Miramar, flying A-4's. <br />
<br />
Leaving active duty in December 1976 as a lieutenant, he flew 727's for American Airlines out of New York City. He was a member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association. <br />
<br />
Commander Rasmussen lived in Colorado with his wife and step-children; ... he is also survived by a sister, Mary Anne Rasmussen of California. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
All three photographs are from his high school yearbook.<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1968 Rasmussen 1.jpg<br />
File:1968 Rasmussen 2.jpg<br />
File:1968 Rasmussen 3.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Memorial Hall Error ==<br />
Andrew was a member of the Navy Reserve at the time of his loss; Memorial Hall has USN.<br />
<br />
{{NewClassNavigator|Name=Andrew|HonoreesInClass=29|ClassYear=1968|PreviousPersonLink=JOHN F. DALTON, LTCOL, USMC|PreviousPersonName=John Dalton '68}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1968|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 31st Company|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:USNR|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 303|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:MH error-rank]]<br />
{{OpLoss|uncorrected=ANDREW A. RASMUSSEN, LCDR, USN}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=ANDREW_A._RASMUSSEN,_LCDR,_USNR&diff=166086ANDREW A. RASMUSSEN, LCDR, USNR2023-05-07T22:35:02Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Other Information */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=September 14, 1946|DoD=March 16, 1985|Age=38|name_class=Andrew Rasmussen '68}}<br />
{{Info|Hometown=California}}<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1968unse|class=1968<br />
|picture=1968 Rasmussen LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=ANDREW ANTHONY RASMUSSEN<br />
|LBText=Andy — better known as "Drew" came to us at Mother B from his mothers loving arms at the tender age of seventeen. With a background of high school athletics (3 sport letterman), ASB President, and outstanding academics, Drew was not about to let his age bother him.<br />
</p><p><br />
His quick wit and tremendous personality made him one of the best liked and respected members of his class. When elected class Vice-President youngster year, Andy did much to help both his classmates and school. <br />
</p><p><br />
Yet Andy's biggest struggle was not on the varsity football field or any other normal activity. His toughest battle was an hourly struggle with the pad monster, one which he was forever losing.<br />
</p><p><br />
With his many outstanding qualities and great leadership potential, Andy is certain to have a very promising career with the Navy.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Andrew was lost on March 16, 1985 when the F/A-18 he was piloting crashed into a shallow lake in Nevada. He was engaged in a practice strike, flying from Fallon NAS, Nevada, in an aircraft that was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From researcher Kathy Franz:<br />
<blockquote><br />
The final decision about his death was that Andrew became disoriented seconds before he crashed -- attributed to losing “situational awareness” while on a practice bombing run. In civilian life, he was an insurance agent.<br />
<br />
His parents were Mrs. and Mrs. Eric Rasmussen. He graduated from Fresno High School in 1964. He was sophomore class president, junior class president, student body president, and belonged to the Senate. He was a delegate to California Boys State for the American Legion and was a member of the varsity football, basketball and swimming teams. Along with 11 others, he was awarded membership in Service “F” for outstanding participation and citizenship in school activities. As a sophomore, he was an officer in the Latin Club. His father taught U.S. History at the high school. He was honored as an outstanding youth by the California Junior Chamber of Commerce at a dinner on June 30 and won a $350 scholarship award. <br />
<br />
At the Naval Academy, he also was in the Foreign Relations Club, the Russian Club, and on the Honor Committee.<br />
<br />
In August 1970, he completed the basic jet training course at Forest Sherman Field at Pensacola which included four arrested carrier landings and four catapult take-offs from the deck of the carrier Lexington.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/121745457 is buried in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
==Obituary==<br />
From the June 1985 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Cdr. Andrew A. Rasmussen USNR died in a military plane crash at Fallon Air Force Base, Nevada, on 16 March 1985. He was on active duty for training at the time. <br />
<br />
Born in Canton, Illinois, he was appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of California and graduated with the Class of 1968. <br />
<br />
He won his wings as a Naval Aviator in 1970 and flew F-9's with VT-25 at Chase Field, Texas. Later, he flew F-4's with VF-92 from the carrier Constellation and also at NAS Miramar, Calf. His final tour on active duty was with VC-7, also at Miramar, flying A-4's. <br />
<br />
Leaving active duty in December 1976 as a lieutenant, he flew 727's for American Airlines out of New York City. He was a member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association. <br />
<br />
Commander Rasmussen lived in Colorado with his wife and step-children; ... he is also survived by a sister, Mary Anne Rasmussen of California. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
All three photographs are from his high school yearbook.<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1968 Rasmussen 1.jpg<br />
File:1968 Rasmussen 2.jpg<br />
File:1968 Rasmussen 3.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Memorial Hall Error ==<br />
Andrew was a member of the Navy Reserve at the time of his loss; Memorial Hall has USN.<br />
<br />
{{NewClassNavigator|Name=Andrew|HonoreesInClass=29|ClassYear=1968|PreviousPersonLink=JOHN F. DALTON, LTCOL, USMC|PreviousPersonName=John Dalton '68}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1968|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 31st Company|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:USNR|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 303|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:MH error-rank]]<br />
{{OpLoss|uncorrected=ANDREW A. RASMUSSEN, LCDR, USN}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=ANDREW_A._RASMUSSEN,_LCDR,_USNR&diff=166085ANDREW A. RASMUSSEN, LCDR, USNR2023-05-07T22:34:37Z<p>LeslieBP: /* Obituary */ removed address</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=September 14, 1946|DoD=March 16, 1985|Age=38|name_class=Andrew Rasmussen '68}}<br />
{{Info|Hometown=California}}<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1968unse|class=1968<br />
|picture=1968 Rasmussen LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=ANDREW ANTHONY RASMUSSEN<br />
|LBText=Andy — better known as "Drew" came to us at Mother B from his mothers loving arms at the tender age of seventeen. With a background of high school athletics (3 sport letterman), ASB President, and outstanding academics, Drew was not about to let his age bother him.<br />
</p><p><br />
His quick wit and tremendous personality made him one of the best liked and respected members of his class. When elected class Vice-President youngster year, Andy did much to help both his classmates and school. <br />
</p><p><br />
Yet Andy's biggest struggle was not on the varsity football field or any other normal activity. His toughest battle was an hourly struggle with the pad monster, one which he was forever losing.<br />
</p><p><br />
With his many outstanding qualities and great leadership potential, Andy is certain to have a very promising career with the Navy.}}<br />
<br />
== Loss ==<br />
Andrew was lost on March 16, 1985 when the F/A-18 he was piloting crashed into a shallow lake in Nevada. He was engaged in a practice strike, flying from Fallon NAS, Nevada, in an aircraft that was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125.<br />
<br />
== Other Information ==<br />
From researcher Kathy Franz:<br />
<blockquote><br />
The final decision about his death was that Andrew became disoriented seconds before he crashed -- attributed to losing “situational awareness” while on a practice bombing run. In civilian life, he was an insurance agent<br />
<br />
His parents were Mrs. and Mrs. Eric Rasmussen. He graduated from Fresno High School in 1964. He was sophomore class president, junior class president, student body president, and belonged to the Senate. He was a delegate to California Boys State for the American Legion and was a member of the varsity football, basketball and swimming teams. Along with 11 others, he was awarded membership in Service “F” for outstanding participation and citizenship in school activities. As a sophomore, he was an officer in the Latin Club. His father taught U.S. History at the high school. He was honored as an outstanding youth by the California Junior Chamber of Commerce at a dinner on June 30 and won a $350 scholarship award. <br />
<br />
At the Naval Academy, he also was in the Foreign Relations Club, the Russian Club, and on the Honor Committee.<br />
<br />
In August 1970, he completed the basic jet training course at Forest Sherman Field at Pensacola which included four arrested carrier landings and four catapult take-offs from the deck of the carrier Lexington.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
He [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/121745457 is buried in] Arlington National Cemetery.<br />
<br />
==Obituary==<br />
From the June 1985 issue of ''Shipmate'':<br />
<blockquote><br />
Cdr. Andrew A. Rasmussen USNR died in a military plane crash at Fallon Air Force Base, Nevada, on 16 March 1985. He was on active duty for training at the time. <br />
<br />
Born in Canton, Illinois, he was appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of California and graduated with the Class of 1968. <br />
<br />
He won his wings as a Naval Aviator in 1970 and flew F-9's with VT-25 at Chase Field, Texas. Later, he flew F-4's with VF-92 from the carrier Constellation and also at NAS Miramar, Calf. His final tour on active duty was with VC-7, also at Miramar, flying A-4's. <br />
<br />
Leaving active duty in December 1976 as a lieutenant, he flew 727's for American Airlines out of New York City. He was a member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association. <br />
<br />
Commander Rasmussen lived in Colorado with his wife and step-children; ... he is also survived by a sister, Mary Anne Rasmussen of California. <br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
All three photographs are from his high school yearbook.<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left"><br />
File:1968 Rasmussen 1.jpg<br />
File:1968 Rasmussen 2.jpg<br />
File:1968 Rasmussen 3.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Memorial Hall Error ==<br />
Andrew was a member of the Navy Reserve at the time of his loss; Memorial Hall has USN.<br />
<br />
{{NewClassNavigator|Name=Andrew|HonoreesInClass=29|ClassYear=1968|PreviousPersonLink=JOHN F. DALTON, LTCOL, USMC|PreviousPersonName=John Dalton '68}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1968|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 31st Company|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:USNR|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 303|Rasmussen]]<br />
[[Category:MH error-rank]]<br />
{{OpLoss|uncorrected=ANDREW A. RASMUSSEN, LCDR, USN}}</div>LeslieBPhttp://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=JOHN_F._DALTON,_LTCOL,_USMC&diff=166058JOHN F. DALTON, LTCOL, USMC2023-05-02T23:43:45Z<p>LeslieBP: added other section</p>
<hr />
<div>{{KeyDates|DoB=January 20, 1946|DoD=November 17, 1983|Age=37|name_class=John Dalton '68}}<br />
<br />
{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckybag1968unse|class=1968<br />
|picture=1968 Dalton LB.jpg<br />
|LBName=JOHN FREDERICK DALTON<br />
|LBHometown=Mountain Home, Idaho<br />
|LBText=Dalts came to USNA as directly as possible from his high school in Mountain Home, Idaho. He stood number 13 in the class after plebe year but his desire to maintain a "graduation watch" on the pad youngster year and his love affair with the "boob tube" the last two years have collectively dropped him all the way to the mid twenties. He can always be counted on for academic help even when he hasn't time for his own. After he secured on Varsity baseball, he became an invaluable asset to the Company soccer, basketball, and Softball teams. Shortly after John earns his Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech, some marine air wing will acquire one of its finest officers. <br />
|LBOther=John was also the 30th Company Commander for the 3rd Set.}}<br />
<br />
== Obituary ==<br />
From [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/551398 Find A Grave:]<br />
<blockquote><br />
JOHN FREDERICK DALTON was born 20 January 1946 at Ontario, Malheur County, Oregon. He was the second of three children born to Ursus Benson Dalton and Netta Maxine Tooley. John was an outstanding student and athlete. He graduated from Mountain Home High School in 1964 (Idaho) and was accepted at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. On June 21, 1969, he married Paulette June Merritts at Camp Hill, Cumberland, Pennsylvania. They became the parents of three daughters. Paulette remarried (new surname "Thaut"). She passed away July 23, 1995 in Colorado.<br />
<br />
John died when the plane he was testing went down over the Pacific Ocean. The people of the United States owe him their respect and gratitude.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
The crash was on November 17, 1983.<br />
<br />
From the May 1984 issue of ''Shipmate'': <br />
<blockquote><br />
LCol. John Frederick Dalton USMC died on 17 November 1983 in the crash of an F/A-18 Hornet off the Southern California Coast. Memorial services were held at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in Santa Ana, California, on 23 November.<br />
<br />
Appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of Idaho, he was graduated with honors in the Class of 1968 and selected for graduate studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology where he was awarded a Master of Science degree in Engineering Mechanics in 1969.<br />
<br />
After Basic School at Quantico, he completed flight training and reported to Marine Attack Squadron VMA-214 at MCAS El Toro. Later duty was at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, with VMA-311, followed by a tour as an instructor in engineering at the Naval Academy.<br />
<br />
In 1978 he attended the Amphibious Warfare School at Quantico prior to returning to El Toro to join VMA-211, then in 1982 was ordered to Marine Aircraft Group 13 before attending the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk. He was subsequently assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing where he was serving as the commanding officer of Marine Air Base Squadron 11, Marine Aircraft Group 11, El Toro. He was a life member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association.<br />
<br />
He is survived by his widow Paulette of Mission Viejo, CA; his mother, Mrs. Maxine Dalton, of Mountain Home, Idaho; three daughters; and a brother, Maj. Thomas R. Dalton USMC, USNA '71, Dumfries, Virginia.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
== Recovery ==<br />
The book [https://www.google.com/books/edition/30_000_Leagues_Undersea/FdVHEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1 30,000 Leagues Undersea: True Tales of a Submariner and Deep Submergence Pilot] by Tom Vetter has a chapter titled "Finding John Dalton," and is about the new techniques pioneered to recover John and his new F/A-18 Hornet from the sea floor off the coast of Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, CA.<br />
<br />
== Other ==<br />
John was an active athlete during his career at Mountain Home High School as well. He played [https://www.newspapers.com/image/724428632/?terms=%22John%20Dalton%22&match=1 football] and [https://www.newspapers.com/image/408549118/?terms=John%20Dalton&match=1 basketball], and also was on a competing [https://www.newspapers.com/image/724381094/?terms=John%20Dalton&match=1 Math Team] for the school.<br />
<br />
John [https://www.newspapers.com/image/724572842/?terms=John%20Dalton%20Annapolis&match=1&clipping_id=123950671 served as a company commander] in the final few months of spring, 1968 before he was graduated from the Academy.<br />
<br />
== Photographs ==<br />
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px><br />
File:1968 Brigade Staff 1st Set.jpg|From the Lucky Bag: 1968 Brigade Staff 1st Set<br />
File:1968 Brigade Staff 2nd Set.jpg|From the Lucky Bag: 1968 Brigade Staff 2nd Set<br />
File:1968 Dalton 1.jpg|"John, Paulette, and daughters Cheryl, Susie and Jeannie.|link=https://books.google.com/books?id=nfKSBwAAQBAJ&pg=PT385&lpg=PT385&dq=usmc+crash+11/17/1983+dalton&source=bl&ots=zkdE0DfWYg&sig=oEFrHPpm6yxBDgqGh_N0jDfCNN0&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjEju_59qjSAhUkyoMKHUv7DCUQ6AEIGjAA#v=onepage&q=usmc%20crash%2011%2F17%2F1983%20dalton&f=false<br />
File:1968 Dalton 3.jpg|About 1967 - John F, Dalton with aunt & uncle Teressa (Dalton) & David Hendry. This was taken at John's mother's home in Mountain Home, Idaho.|link=https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=pv&GRid=551398&PIpi=40786606<br />
File:1968 Dalton 2.jpg|Earlier photo of Marine Captain John F. Dalton in his aircraft, a photo probably taken while a flight instructor.|link=https://books.google.com/books?id=nfKSBwAAQBAJ&pg=PT385&lpg=PT385&dq=usmc+crash+11/17/1983+dalton&source=bl&ots=zkdE0DfWYg&sig=oEFrHPpm6yxBDgqGh_N0jDfCNN0&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjEju_59qjSAhUkyoMKHUv7DCUQ6AEIGjAA#v=onepage&q=usmc%20crash%2011%2F17%2F1983%20dalton&f=false<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== Memorial Hall Error ==<br />
Memorial Hall lists John as a Major; his tombstone and all other references have LTCOL.<br />
<br />
{{NewClassNavigator|Name=John|HonoreesInClass=29|ClassYear=1968|PreviousPersonLink=JOHN E. LUDWIG, III|PreviousPersonName=John Ludwig, III '68|NextPersonLink=ANDREW A. RASMUSSEN, LCDR, USNR|NextPersonName=Andrew Rasmussen '68}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1968|Dalton]]<br />
[[Category:USNA 20th Company|Dalton]]<br />
[[Category:USMC|Dalton]]<br />
[[Category:Operational loss|Dalton]]<br />
[[Category:Fixed Wing|Dalton]]<br />
[[Category:Marine Air Base Squadron 11|Dalton]]<br />
[[Category:MH error-rank]]<br />
{{OpLoss|uncorrected=JOHN F. DALTON, MAJ, USMC}}</div>LeslieBP